Community Nutcracker Tour Jetés into Warner Theatre

Jeffrey Crane/Fort Wayne Ballet

Saturday, Dec. 21 - 22

When our community comes together, the very best of Erie often emerges.

This is the case when dancers from five different programs — Ashley DiMarco School of Dance, Keri's Dance School, Mercyhurst Prep Dance Program, Prep-Villa Dance Ensemble, Sovereign Ballet, and the Lake Erie Ballet — team with visitors from Indiana's Fort Wayne Ballet to present the Community Nutcracker. The production will take the stage for a two-show engagement at the Warner Theatre, as part of a local tradition that has been ongoing for more than 60 years (the  first Lake Erie Ballet production was put on in 1958).

This classic Christmas tale first debuted in 1892, its two acts composed by the great Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It's been a holiday favorite ever since, with thousands of performances all over the world each year. Coveted (and much day-dreamed about) roles include the young girl Clara, caught up in the battle between the titular Nutcracker prince and the Mouse King, and the now-ubiquitous Sugar Plum Fairy, whose dance is set to a particular portion of the score you would be hard-pressed not to hear throughout December.

Young dancers from the Erie community will share the stage alongside the professionals from the Fort Wayne Ballet, under the direction of their company's artistic director, Karen Gibbons-Brown, learning and absorbing their discipline, technique, and poise both behind the curtain and on stage.

Come out to the Warner for a truly communal Nutcracker experience and witness the very best in dancing — and unity of purpose — that Erie has to offer. — Cara Suppa

7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 // Warner Theatre, 811 State St. // $19 - 34 // eriewarnertheatre.com/events