The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance production of Nutcracker will reach full bloom with exciting additions that present the ballet in its entire splendor at The Ridgefield Playhouse for three performances on Saturday, December 18, at 2 and 7 pm, and Sunday, December 18, at 2 pm.

Two of those additions are illustrious Ridgefielders – one who is known internationally in the arts, and one locally in the government. Tenor William Joyner, who has lent his operatic voice worldwide, and Town Selectman Di Masters have joined the cast as Mr and Mrs Stahlbaum, the party’s hosts.

This year’s production also features several fascinating dance additions as well, including an energetic battle scene rife with marching toy soldiers and menacing mice, plus gems for ballet enthusiasts including the rare Snow Pas de Deux and the entire Sugar Plum Grand Pas de Deux.

Highlighting the Grand Pas de Deux is Cory Stearns of American Ballet Theater Studio Company in New York City as the Cavalier.

Mark Gillis, formerly with the Festival Ballet of Rhode Island and the Louisville Ballet, will portray Drosselmeyer.

“It is exhilarating to see this production come together,” says Conservatory Director James Robey.

“The amazing talent of these young dancers combined with the vision of Stacey Mahan, the choreographer, makes this an exceptional production.”

The costumes this year will definitely dazzle, especially in the Party Scene. Carey A. Nevin of Pasdechat Designs in Ridgefield is single-mindedly dedicated to presenting a historically accurate image. Having spent countless hours in the library and on the streets of the fashion district in New York City researching and searching for the perfect materials, these outfits will complement the ever growing collection of one-of-a-kind costumes housed at the Conservatory.

The story of the Nutcracker, originally written by E.T.A. Hoffman, is a coming of age story about a young girl named Marie who receives the gift of a magical Nutcracker that takes her on a wild adventure. While later versions of the story name the title character Clara, in the original story her name is Marie and Clara is the name of her doll.

New York City choreographer Ms Mahan, in her third year mounting this production, has returned to the original story for the stage at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

The traditional holiday story is told through the eyes of young Marie, being portrayed by Anna Masters of Ridgefield.

Featured roles also include Sugar Plum Fairy portrayed by Catherine Jaeger of Poughquag, N.Y.; Dew Drop Fairy portrayed by Ashley Albonetti of Carmel, N.Y.; and The Snow Queen portrayed by Maggie Ronan of Brookfield.

This year’s production has also landed excellent male dancers.

Peter Nevin of Ridgefield, a professional dancer who trains at the Conservatory, will re-create his breathtaking performances as The Toy Soldier and Lead Trepak.

Other dancers in this production come from Ridgefield, Danbury, Wilton, New Fairfield, Brookfield, and even towns in neighboring Westchester County, N.Y.

Tickets are $20 and $25. For further information call the box office at 203-438-5795. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.RidgefieldPlayhouse.org.

The playhouse is at 80 East Ridge.