Under the direction of Jennifer Beasley, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet opens its 28th season with the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker.” The production will feature guest artists from across the nation and over 120 Jackson area dancers in four performances on Dec. 5 and 6 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center.
The story follows Clara from her family Christmas party where she receives the magical gift of a Nutcracker from a mysterious guest. The Nutcracker comes to life, battles the evil Mouse King, and accompanies Clara on a journey through the Land of Snow and into the Kingdom of Sweets. There they meet the ethereal Sugarplum Fairy and are treated to entertainments from around the world.
Madison County resident Grace Gardner will dance the lead role of Clara. Gardner, age 14, is a Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet senior company member. She has studied with Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy, the official school of the ballet company, for five years.
“Our talented guest artists and local dancers look forward to bringing holiday cheer to our community,” said Beasley. “So many patrons kick off their holiday season by attending a performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Although the audience will be socially distanced and some people may opt to attend via live stream, Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet continues to serve our community through productions of the highest artistic quality and the tradition of ‘The Nutcracker.'”
Performanes are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $30-$35 and are available at msmetroballet.com. Live stream offerings will also be available.
The cast of “The Nutcracker” is chosen through audition from students of Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy with locations in Madison and Brandon. Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet is a nonprofit, pre-professional ballet company based in Madison.
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