The Nutcracker

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Beth Skogen Photography

Cast members of "The Nutcracker."

Cast members of "The Nutcracker," Dance Wisconsin, 2023.

media release: Dance Wisconsin, a Madison area pre-professional dance company, will present its 47th annual performance of The Nutcracker this holiday season on December 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. in UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Union Theater. The shows will include over 100 performers ages seven through adult from southern/central Wisconsin, live music from the Dance Wisconsin orchestra, and the vocals of the Monona Grove High School Singers.

Dance Wisconsin’s Nutcracker was first performed in 1977 at West High School. The production relocated to the Civic Center in the '80s and '90s and then has resided at the Wisconsin Union Theater since 1999. Choreography created by artistic director, JoJean Retrum, is based on the original work by Marius Petipa. The music is the beloved composition from Tchaikovsky, recognizable for those familiar and unfamiliar with classical ballet.

Join Clara at her family’s holiday party. When the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer arrives and she receives a special Nutcracker doll as a gift, magic ensues. The evening includes dancing toys, a battle with the Mouse King, and a journey through the Land of Sweets. Clara’s story is a timeless seasonal favorite for all ages. Dance Wisconsin alumnus Anthony Cannarella-Andersen returns as the Sugar Plum Cavalier. Dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy is Rachel Hutsell, former New York City Ballet dancer.

Dance Wisconsin is a non-profit pre-professional dance company composed of dancers aged eleven through adult led by artistic director, JoJean Retrum. Founded in 1977, the company prides itself as a nurturing environment for tomorrow’s leaders. Dance Wisconsin has been a part of Regional Dance America’s MidStates Region for over thirty years and is Wisconsin’s only Honor Company within RDA.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Further support by Dane County Arts with additional funds from the Frautschi and Rowland Foundations, Diane Ballweg, and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation. Additional funding provided by Dupaco Credit Union, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric, North Central Utility of Wisconsin, LLC., Kramer Madison, Maria Antoinette Real Estate, and Corner Stone Construction, and Gorilla Movers of Wisconsin.

Tickets are available through the Dance Wisconsin website at https://www.dancewisconsin.org/ for $28-$56.