A fresh take on ‘The Nutcracker’ by Ballet Theatre Company, with a special nod to Noah Webster, will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 13 in West Hartford.

Calvin BIttner as Drosselmeyer. Submitted photo

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 It’s beginning to look a lot like “Nutcracker” at Ballet Theatre Company’s studio location off of New Park Avenue in West Hartford.

Their newly staged production of the classic holiday tale, The Nutcracker, will open at the University of Saint Joseph Hoffman Auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 13 and run through Sunday, Dec. 16 with a total of six public performances.

For 17 of the company’s 20-year existence, Ballet Theatre Company (BTC) has prided itself in presenting a fresh take on this timeless classic holiday ballet, and this year will once again bring many sweet surprises with an all new production of The Nutcracker.

Stephanie Dattellas, BTC’s artistic director, has added her own spice to the Land of the Sweets with new choreography, story twists, costumes, sets and characters. Dattellas said, “The best part about Nutcracker is the story has this amazing way of transporting you into another world of magic and wonder where dreamers and make-believers emerge, and at the same time, it reminds us of all the amazing joys the holiday season brings. The Nutcracker isn’t a show, it’s an experience. It takes the audience on a sparkling journey; through wit, charm, suspense, beauty, and if you believe, magic.”

Drosselmeyer, Clara’s jolly toy-making godfather, adds a new, yet familiar character to the Act 1 Party Scene. His magical gift of two life-sized dancing dolls will represent West Hartford’s beloved historic figure, Noah Webster and his Blue Back Speller Ballerina. Webster, known for writing the first ever English spelling and grammar book, the Blue Back Speller, offers a special touch that brings the story closer to home. Break-dancing mice, featuring students from Studio860, will take over the stage during the epic battle between toy soldier and mouse, and Act 2 will sure bring smiles when Gingerbread cookies appear out of a newly designed and decorated Mother Ginger.

Keeping with BTC’s mission of offering professional caliber dance productions, tri-state area professionals will perform lead roles throughout the ballet accompanying selected local student dancers whose ages range from 5-18. Some professional faces have graced the BTC stage before including Calvin Bittner, a resident of West Hartford who will perform the role of Clara’s magical and mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer.

Katie Bittner and Sam Schrader, both seen in Mama D’s performances at Playhouse on Park, will also be returning to BTC’s stage. Bittner will be performing the role of Clara’s loving mother and Schrader the funny, clumsy grandfather as well as the audience-favorite, Mother Ginger.

New faces will join the cast such as Megan Kalmer and Christopher Collins of Rochester City Ballet who will perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. BTC’s newly inaugurated Corps de Ballet will debut in their first full-length production performing in newly choreographed pieces such as Waltz of the Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers, and Divertissement corps.

Ballet Theatre Company will also present their 17th annual “A Children’s Nutcracker” on Wednesday, Dec. 12, providing an opportunity for more than 600 children from 20 area child advocacy organizations to attend free of charge. In addition to seeing a full-length ballet, the children have the opportunity to learn more about the world of dance and theater during a question-and-answer and autograph session with the choreographer, production staff, and featured dancers. These experiences can open windows of opportunity, perhaps creating a lifelong love of the arts or even encouraging the next rising star as dancer, musician, choreographer, stage manager, or designer.

Public performances begin on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. The magic continues on Friday, Dece. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tickets for BTC’s The Nutcracker are available online at www.dancebtc.org or by phone at 860-570-0440.

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