GNBC stages ‘The Nutcracker’

by Joshua Maloni
Tribune, Dispatch, Sentinel, December 6-8, 2007

Jessica Marguerite Stibick and Irek Muchalski return to dance in “The Nutcracker.”

While many versions of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will be staged this month throughout Western New York, few can boast of having a “World Class Performance” starring local dancers. Unlike many of its competitors, the Greater Niagara Ballet Company places the spotlight on homegrown talent, allowing moms and dads, grandparents and friends to see their loved ones shine.

In the famed Christmas ballet story, Clara receives an unexpected doll from her mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer during a family holiday celebration. Later that night, asleep, she awakes to be accosted by The Mouse King and his army of mice. The toy springs to life, defends the heroine, and reveals his identity as a prince. In that capacity, he takes Clara on a dream-like tour of the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. There, they meet magical dancers from Spain, China, Arabia and Russia.

When the GNBC stages its 30th annual “Nutcracker” on Saturday, the show will feature Aniko Nagy and Mary Beilman in the role of Clara; Aaron Taylor as The Mouse King; Mary Schnepf as the Spanish Senorita; Grace Sutherland as the Dew Drop Fairy; Chrissy Foster and Amanda Martin as the Arabian Princess; Tara Bortolon and Haley Metro as the Chinese Lead; Nicole Grenga as the Lead Russian; L. Paul Thomas as Drosselmeyer; and Irek Muchalski as The Nutcracker/Prince. Jessica Marguerite Stibick of Baltimore returns to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The Corps de Ballet includes Alexa Luczak, Michelle Montana, Shaelynn Lobbezoo, Erin Keegan, Suzannah Emerson, Danielle Potter, Grenga, Metro, Martin, Foster and Bortolon.

In total, more than 100 artists and 150 volunteers will be utilized. The show is under the guidance of GNBC Artistic Director Beverley Feder, a “fellow” of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance.

“The Nutcracker” is on stage Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Niagara Falls Performing Arts Center, 4455 Porter Road, Niagara Falls. Performances begin at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.niagaraballet.org.