'Nutcracker' Magic Coming in December to a Stage Near Rochester

The Nutcracker, a beloved ballet story of a Christmas Eve dream, will be presented by the Michigan Ballet Theatre at Avondale High School this season.

The show, running Dec. 14-16 at the Avondale Performing Arts Center, is under the direction of MBT's Cornelia Sampson.

The story of The Nutcracker recreates the Christmas Eve dream of a young girl named Clara and her fantasies of a Nutcracker Prince, an evil Mouse King, a Sugar Plum Fairy and her magical Kingdom of Sweets.  

The role of Clara will be shared by MBT dancers Isabella Little and Gina Newsome, both of West Bloomfield.  Featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy is MBT's Elizabeth Yanick of Troy and joining her as Cavalier will be Momchil Vladenov, former principal dancer with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. 

Dancers from Farmington Hills, Leonard, Lake Orion, Fairhaven, Warren, Clarkston and Orchard Lake are participating in the production.

This show is full of surprises and special effects, including a sky-scraping Christmas tree, swirling snow, dangling sweets, and a towering Mother Ginger complete with 12 helpers tucked under her skirt. 

Michigan Ballet Theatre is a ballet company serving the communities of southeast Michigan.  Established in 1985, this company of young dancers, drawn from an open annual audition, offers lecture demonstrations and performs for civic and cultural organizations throughout Michigan.  

Here are details on 'The Nutcracker:'

• When: Friday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. 
• Where: The Avondale High School Performing Arts Center, 2800 Waukegan, Auburn Hills
• Tickets: In advance, prices are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and children (under 12), and $12 for groups of 20 or more. Tickets purchased at the door are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and children (under 12).
• Where to buy: Tickets are available through the Rochester School of Dance, 1800 S. Livernois, Rochester, MI 48307.  To order by mail or for more information regarding performances, call 248-652-3117 or visit www.michiganballettheatre.com