David Taylor’s production of “The Nutcracker” December 17, 2011

The World’s Favorite Holiday Ballet Returns - Dawson│Wallace Dance Project presents David Taylor’s production of “The Nutcracker”

A classic holiday tradition continues at the Lakewood Cultural Center with Dawson│Wallace Dance Project’s delightfully different, nationally acclaimed production of David Taylor’s “The Nutcracker” on stage December 17 – 22, 2011.

Performances are at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 and Tuesday through Thursday, December 20 - 22; 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17 and Tuesday through Thursday, December 20 - 22. Tickets are $38 for adults, $28 for a child and are available by calling 303-987-7845, going online to www.Lakewood.org/CulturalCenter or visiting the Lakewood Cultural Center Box Office, 470 S. Allison Parkway (Wadsworth Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue). Senior, student and group discounts available. Ample, free on-site parking is available.

Taylor’s fast-paced, lively version of this holiday classic is a perfect outing for the entire family. From the Stahlbaum’s grand living room to the Land of Snow and the Land of the Sweets, your imagination will soar with this seasonal delight.

Dawson / Wallace Dance Project reflects a merger of artistic direction and leadership between Gregory Dawson, artistic director of San Francisco-based dawsondancesf, and James Wallace, artistic director of Denver based David Taylor Dance Theatre (DTDT). This year’s production of “The Nutcracker” brings together dancers from previous DTDT Nutcracker performances and some exciting new faces.

Artistic Director James Wallace is proud to showcase several new company members including principal dancer Benoit Piernot in the role of Nutcracker Prince. Returning dancer Jennifer Kuhn will be dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy and the Snow Queen with Christopher Selbie as Snow King. Natalie Kitka will also be dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy as well as Clara, a role she will share with Colleen Soltys. Danielle Sunseri, partnered with Christopher Selbie, will be sharing the role of the Arabian Princess with Amy Fogarty. New company members Adam Peterson will be dancing the role of Russian and Mouse King, and Jennifer Begley will be featured as Spanish soloist. Other returning DTDT principals include Jackie McMenaman as the Dewdrop Fairy, a role she will share with new company member Jennifer Aiken and Jesse Hammel, who will be dancing the role of Cavalier. New company member Chris Grider will perform the role of Drosslemeyer.

This year's production continues the innovative use of computerized graphic projections to create scenic elements designed by Jonathan Scott-McKean for the ballet. These techniques are employed to enhance the choreographer’s unique dream-like interpretation of the holiday classic.

The 2011-2012 Lakewood Cultural Center Presents season is generously supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), with appreciation to the citizens of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, Colorado Creative Industries, to promote, support and expand the creative industries that drive Colorado’s economy, Sheraton Denver West and the Denver Post Community, improving and enriching the lives of those in our community.