Dancenter North proudly showcases their student talent along with professional artists on the stages of Libertyville High School's Butler Auditorium and the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. This year marks the 27th season of the well-loved holiday classic performing at Libertyville High School and the 10th anniversary at the beautiful Genesee Theatre. Both venues offer an opportunity for school students age preschool through high school to watch a shortened version of this timeless ballet.
On December 5th at 10:30 a.m. on Libertyville High School's Auditorium stage Dancenter North presents Clara's Dream designed specifically for preschool children. Children will delight in Clara's adventures beginning with her family's annual Christmas party and her mysterious Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Excitement will build in a spectacular battle scene with life-size mice and soldier dolls. After a short intermission Clara's Dream welcomes children to the Kingdom of the Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her friends from around the world. This 60 minute adaptation of The Magic of the Nutcracker is a perfect first-time theater experience for young audiences.
On December 11th at 10:00 a.m. Genesee Theatre presents the 10th anniversary showing of the School Show for Kenosha & Lake County students. Students will enjoy a fun and interactive adventure in the arts complete with a study guide based on the Common Core and Illinois State Standards. Discussion with dancers and Director Karen Sue Landrian take place during a brief intermission. The Magic of the Nutcracker School Show is an excellent way to bring dance, drama and classical music to students at a very affordable price.
In all there are 67 Lake County students performing in this magical ballet. Leads include Katie Waldvogel, Libertyville High School freshman, dancing the role of Clara. Dancing alongside Katie Waldvogel is Jesse Hoisington as Nutcracker Prince. Jesse has danced professionally with Dance in the Parks Chicago and Winifred Haun & Dancers. Libertyville High School junior, Sarah Mateer, dances the Sugar Plum Fairy role. Pablo Sanchez partners with Sarah Mateer as her Cavalier. Celine Carroll, junior at Mundelein High School, performs as Snow Queen. Dancing with Celine Carroll in another lead role is Pablo Sanchez as her Snow Prince. Pablo grew up in Libertyville. He was a Joffrey Ballet trainee and toured with the company for one season. He has danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet and toured with Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre in Beijing, China. Noa Dahan, senior at Adlai Stevenson High School, dances the role of Fairy of the Sweets. Priyana Acharya, sophomore at Libertyville High School, dances as Beauty Rose.
Other professional dancers in this year's performance include Jon Lehrer returning to play the role of Mouse King and Lead Arabian. Jon was a 10-year company member of Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and was Associate Director, Resident Choreographer with the company. In 2007 Jon formed LehrerDance in Buffalo, New York. LehrerDance has received international recognition for their trademark athletic style. Joining Jon from LehrerDance is Colleen Walsh dancing the role of Arabian lead. Returning to play Herr Drosselmeyer is Terrence McEnroe. This is his 24th season as Godfather in The Magic of the Nutcracker. Terrence is an accomplished comedic actor and baritone. He has played in over 100 plays, ballets and musicals throughout Chicagoland, Milwaukee and Dallas, Texas.
The Magic of the Nutcracker ballet is performed on December 5th & 6th at 3:00 p.m. at Libertyville High School's Butler Auditorium. For tickets to these performances and the December 5th 10:30 a.m. showing of Clara's Dream call Dancenter North at 847-367-7970. The Genesee Theatre hosts The Magic of the Nutcracker on December 12th at 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Tickets to these shows and the December 11th 10:00 a.m. School Show can be purchased at the Genesee Theatre Box Office or through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.
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