Danbury Music Centre Nutcracker Tickets Have Gone On Sale

DANBURY — The Nutcracker Ballet, presented by Danbury Music Centre, will return this year for its 40th anniversary production.

Danbury Symphony Orchestra (DSO) has played a pivotal role in the production since 1967 by performing the enchanting and beautiful music of Tchaikovsky.  Add to that 200 dancers from the greater Danbury area, along with a professionally lit stage, professionally built scenery and costumes, and the Danbury Symphony Youth Snowflake Chorus, and it is no surprise that the production is so popular.

Danbury Music Centre has a staff of professional directors. Arthur Fredric, resident of Brookfield, is the artistic director and works with his wife, Lisa Denton, co-director and costume designer.  Richard Price, who lives on Candlewood Isle, is the conductor of The Nutcracker Orchestra, which is comprised of 50 members of DSO. The stage magic is the responsibility of technical director Arnold Daley and lighting designer Peter Petrino.

One of the major attractions of Danbury’s Nutcracker is that it is a showcase for many talented people who reside in greater Danbury. There are more than 20 major roles in this production and all have once again been filled with local dancers.

The Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Elizabeth Cox from New Milford; the Cavalier will be danced by Peter Nevin from Ridgefield; lead Russian will be Zachary Robinson from Danbury; the Dew Drop Fairy will be Tory Senete from Brookfield; and the Snow Queen is being danced by Elissa Eggers of Danbury.

Clara will be danced this year by Megan Schwartz from Ridgefield, Fritz is being danced by Kieran Minor from Danbury, and reprising his role as Mother Ginger will be Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.

Seasoned actors Ellen Burnett and Bob Brown will dance the Grandparents.  Dr and Mrs Stahlbaum are being played by Charles and Frances Van Zanten from Brookfield. Jerry Walton will be featured in the role of Great Uncle Drosselmeyer.

Performances will be Friday, December 8, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, December 9, at 6 pm; and Sunday, December 10, at 3 pm. All performances are at Danbury High School.

Tickets went on sale to members of the Danbury Music Centre in early November and public sales began November 15.  Each year all three performances sell out.

Tickets are $15 and $20. The box office is at Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main Street in Danbury. Box office hours are Mondays through  Fridays, 9 am to 3 pm; and Saturdays, November 18 and December 2, 9 am to noon. Mail orders are encouraged. Cash and checks are accepted, but no credit cards.

For additional information, call Danbury Music Centre at 748-1716.