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On the same dates the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet will also stage their rendition of Tchaikovsky’s well-loved holiday classic at the Madison Square Center for the Arts on Main Street in Madison.
Ballet Mississippi’s performance features more than 130 Mississippi dancers with guest artists Mikhail Ilyin and Mabel Modrono. Ilyin, a former principal dancer of the Miami City Ballet, is not only an accomplished dancer with numerous awards, but he won a bronze medal at the 2002 International Ballet Competition held in Jackson. He also taught Ballet Mississippi’s summer workshop held this past July. Modrono is a former principal dancer with the Fort Worth Ballet, Miami City Ballet and the Pittsburg Ballet Theatre.
Four public performances will be presented, each offering a unique experience for the public. Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. is “casual night” where attendees are encouraged to come dressed casually; Saturday, December 1 at 2 p.m. is Family Day with pre-performance festivities beginning at 1 p.m. with music by Swing de Paris, gypsy jazz in the Christmas tradition. The Nutcracker Children’s Party follows the afternoon performance on the Mezzanine. Cast members in costume will attend to autograph and take photographs with children.
The gala performance is Saturday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. followed by an after performance party to honor corporate and private sponsors. The final performance is Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m., followed by the traditional Sugar Plum Children’s Party.
The production showcases the students of the Ballet Mississippi School. Ansley Brennan and Mary Margaret Sanders perform the principal role of Marie, with Kirsten Kitchens and Katarina Pittman performing the role of Fritz. Nutcracker Prince will be performed by Benjamin Rodenmeyer. Mavel Modrono will perform the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, with Mikhail Ilyin as the Cavalier. Veteran dancers Chambliss Williams, Shannon McElroy, Morgan Welsh, Caitlin Grimes, Mary-Michael Lindsey, Lisa Parker, Lisa Caldwell and Shelby Corn will perform the roles of Spanish, Dew Drop and Arabian.
William Fulton returns to Jackson to perform the role of Godfather Drosselmeyer. Peggy Broerman will also be returning in the role of Grandmother.
For ticket prices and reservations, call the Ballet Mississippi ticket office, 601- 960-1560.
Celebrating its 15th year, the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet continues its tradition of presenting traditional classical ballet in the metro Jackson area.
The Nutcracker Tea Parties will precede the performances on Friday at 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with matinee performances at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
More than 100 dancers from the metro Jackson area will participate. Dancers are selected through an audition process from Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy students. The Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy is the official school of the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet.
Erin Ivey will perform the role of Clara. The title role of the Nutcracker will be performed by Kevin Arredondo. Guest artists will include Shay Bares, a dancer with Ballet Tyler in Tyler, Texas, who will perform the Lead Russian Role and the Harlequin Doll; Noel Pollard, who is currently a junior dance major at the University of Alabama will perform the role of the Sugarplum Fairy; and Marah King, a freshman dance major at Point Park College in Pittsburg, will perform the role of the Snow Queen; and Erik J. Kegler, former professional dancer with the Cincinnati Ballet, will perform the role of the Snow King and Dr. Drosselmeyer.
The Saturday evening performance will feature several local celebrities including Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler, WAPT News Anchor Brad McMullen, Miss Madison The City Brooke Beard, Steve Vassallo of the Madison/Swedish American Chamber, Johnny O from Mix 98.7, and Rosie Vassallo, director of the Madison Chamber of Commerce, will perform the role of Mother Ginger on Saturday evening.
For more information call 601-853-4508.
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