presented by
ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE and RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
DECEMBER 16 & 17, 2023
Join Clara at her annual Christmas Eve party at the Staulbaum house enjoying a night full of celebration, dancing, and magic! As the party comes to a close Clara sneaks downstairs to find her precious new Nutcracker doll and falls asleep dreaming of her wonderful evening. Clara, startled awake by a group of mischievous mice, takes on an exciting journey with Drosselmeyer and her precious Nutcracker.
Battling a life-size mouse Queen, slipping & sliding with snowmen & dazzling Snow Queen, and then flying off on an enchanted crystal sleigh to meet the Queen of the Angels, Clara visits the Land of Sweets in an adventure not to be missed this holiday season!
The Nutcracker is co-produced by Engage Dance Academy and Raue Center For The Arts.
This event is sponsored by
ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE’S
THE NUTCRACKER
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS & OWNERS
Courtney & Marc Petrocci
FACULTY
Kimberly Banner, Ella Beers*, Jessica Bergmann, Amanda Gee, Alyssa Guzman, Annia Hidalgo, Josie Kavan*,
Charlee Morris, Elijah Richardson, Erica Zafiriou
*dancer with EDT
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Michelle Baumgart, Marcy Chevalier, Tricia McCann,
Charlee Morris, Samantha Webb*
*dancer with EDT
WARDROBE
Michelle Baumgart
SEAMSTRESSES
Sara Hutchinson, Elizabeth Knezevic, & Teri Vanlandingham
PROPS
Lauren Martin
A SPECIAL THANKS…
The Raue Center for the Arts personal & production staff for their tremendous partnership, our Engage staff, family volunteers & dancers whose continued above and beyond energy and commitment to this organization create all of the magic you are about to witness.
ENGAGE DANCE ACADEMY
Engage Dance Academy is a triple-track dance studio, offering classes for ages 18 months-adult. Our three tracks include our pre-professional Engage Dance Theatre, ages 5-19 years, for the more serious dancer; our Competition Crew, ages 8-19 years, for dancers looking to compete regionally; and our Open Division, ages 18 months-adult, for the recreational dancer looking for weekly classes to introduce or continue one’s love of dance with a recital performance in June.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US “BEST OF THE FOX” FOR 7 YEARS IN A ROW!
NUTCRACKER SYNOPSIS
We start our story on the eve of the Staulbaum Christmas party. Godfather Drosselmeyer is busy making last minute adjustments on gifts for the party. He takes extra care to put the finishing touches on a special gift he has made for his cherished young niece, Clara.
As we enter the Staulbaum house, Clara is there with all her friends, enjoying a night full of dancing and delicious treats! Drosselmeyer arrives with his nephew, bringing a little bit of magic and an extra special gift for Clara, a beautiful handmade Nutcracker doll! After all the guests have left, Clara sneaks downstairs to find her precious Nutcracker and falls asleep dreaming of their special party. She is awoken from her sleep and led on an exciting journey with Drosselmeyer and her precious Nutcracker, battling a life size mouse Queen, slipping & sliding with real life Icicles, meeting a dazzling Snow Queen, then flying off on an enchanted crystal sleigh to meet the Queen of the Angels and her herald of Angels at the gates of the Land of Sweets. Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Taffy, Shepherdess, her Maidens, and baby Geese, Merry & her sweet Mini Mints, Dew Drop with her carousel of flowers, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier all dance for Clara and Drosselmeyer. At the end of all the dancing, Clara is back in her living room sleeping with her precious Nutcracker Doll. Drosselmeyer says his goodnight and reminds us that magic is all around, all we have to do is believe…
We know that this time of year is busy for many of you, and we
“Thank You” for choosing to spend this time with us during your holiday season!
COURTNEY PETROCCI – Co-Owner/Artistic Director for Engage Dance Academy
Ms. Petrocci, herself a native of Crystal Lake, is a happily spoiled wife to co-Owner/Artistic Director for Engage Dance Academy, Marc Petrocci, and a devoted mother of 2 incredible kiddos, one spoiled dog and an overly pampered cat.
She performed for more than 10 years with the Milwaukee Ballet, where she was featured in many roles including Clara and the Snow Queen from Michael Pink’s The Nutcracker and Tiger Lily in Michael Pink’s world premiere production of Peter Pan, broadcasted nationally in 2014 on PBS. She has been privileged to be featured in works choreographed by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins’, Vincente Nebrada, Marius Petipa, Alejandro Cerrudo and Trey McIntrye. She has had the unique pleasure to have original pieces choreographed on her by Nelly Van Bommel, Mauro de Candia, Val Caniparoli, Maurice Causey, Simone Ferro, Mark Godden, James Gregg, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Matthew Neenan, Timothy O’Donnell and Lila York. Having worked with this very talented and diverse group of some of the world’s most prominent choreographers, Ms. Petrocci brings with her a very diverse and refined level of performance knowledge in both classical ballet and contemporary genres. Ms. Petrocci retired from Milwaukee Ballet in September 2015 after the birth of her and Marc Petrocci’s first child.
Ms. Petrocci has both her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Arizona and her Master of Fine Arts in Dance from UWM Milwaukee. During her time dancing at Milwaukee Ballet, she was a co-founder and the former Vice President of the Milwaukee Dancers Fund, a 501c3 non-profit whose mission is to aid Milwaukee Ballet Company dancers financially in their eventual career transition.
Ms. Petrocci is an officially licensed teacher of the world renown Progressing Ballet Technique, which only continues to aid in her teaching of the classical technique. With the Petrocci’s’ strong belief that everyone should have the opportunity to dance, this past summer Ms. Petrocci (along with Engage staff member, Ms. Amanda Gee) completed a certification process for teaching adaptive dance through the Boston Ballet. This program specializes in the teaching of dance classes to students with Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and inclusive dance classes with students ranging in all abilities and needs. She looks forward to opening this new branch of dance classes at Engage Dance Academy in 2023.
Ms. Petrocci is beyond proud of all the students at Engage Dance Academy and loves her job as Owner/Artistic Director, because there is something truly magical watching young dancers and students learn and grow each day.
MARC PETROCCI – Co-Owner/Artistic Director for Engage Dance Academy
Mr. Petrocci, originally from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, is a tremendously lucky husband to co-Owner/Artistic Director of Engage Dance Academy, Courtney Petrocci, a daddy climbing gym for two beautiful kiddos, and nationally acclaimed ballet artist and teacher.
Mr. Petrocci spent 13 years with the Milwaukee Ballet, including 10 years as one of the Leading Artists of the company, under Artistic Director Michael Pink. His favorite performance roles include Bugle Boy in Company B, Mercutio in Michael Pink’s Romeo & Juliet and Puck in Bruce Wells’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In addition to these roles listed, Petrocci had the distinct privilege to have had the role of Peter Pan created on him by Michael Pink for its world premiere in 2010, which he then had the pleasure of reprising in 2012 and broadcast nationally on PBS. He has also featured in works by Val Caniparoli, Maurice Causey, Alejandro Cerrudo, Brock Clawson, Mark Godden, Matthew Neenan, Lila York, John Utans, Trey McIntyre and many others. In 2005, Petrocci had the pleasure of dancing with the Trey McIntyre Project’s inaugural season, performing at the Vail International Dance Festival, the Aspen Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow, and he was featured in the world premiere of Trey McIntyre’s ballet Hymn at the 13th annual Fire Island Dance Festival in 2007. This diverse repertory and range of performance media serve to shape Mr. Petrocci’s approach to choreography and the inclusive approach to dance styles offered at Engage.
Mr. Petrocci is a strong proponent of lifelong learning and pushing himself and others to stretch themselves in multiple facets of life. Following this philosophy, Mr. Petrocci has earned a BA in Economics with a Minor in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He later became a certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, as well as a licensed teacher of the world renown Progressing Ballet Technique.
As an accomplished teacher, Mr. Petrocci draws on a combination of foundational dance training from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, in conjunction with his education, and a diverse group of choreographers, repetiteurs, and Master Teachers he has been exposed to over his career. These serve as the foundation for his teaching, bringing the breadth of his experience and interests to every class he teaches. This includes bringing former colleagues and current dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet down to partner with the students of Engage Dance Theatre for bi-weekly pas de deux classes, giving the dancers a leading edge in their comprehensive technical training.
Echoing his wife’s sentiments, Mr. Petrocci is beyond proud of all of the students at Engage Dance Academy, loves his job as Owner/Artistic Director, because there is something truly magical watching young dancers and students learn and grow each day.
Annia Hidalgo (Sugar Plum Fairy) – EDT Ballet teacher & Professional Guest Artist
Annia Hidalgo began her training in the province of Holguín and continued at the Cuban National Ballet School in Havana under Professor Ramona de Saa. In 2004, she was awarded the Gold Medal in the International Ballet Competition. That same year, she joined the Cuban National Ballet as a soloist under Alicia Alonso. Her repertoire includes soloist and principal roles in La Fille Mal Gardée, Coppélia, Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Paquita, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Scheherazade, and Prince Igor. Hidalgo has performed as a principal with Media City Ballet and a soloist at Los Angeles Ballet. During her career as a Principal Dancer with the Milwaukee Ballet, Hidalgo danced as Alice in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland) and nearly every featured role in Michael Pink’s ballets, including Musetta in La Bohème (created for Hidalgo), Odile in Swan Lake, both Lucy and Mina in Dracula, Snow White in Mirror Mirror, Clara, Marie, and the Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and the title roles in Giselle and Cinderella. She also appeared in the winning pieces from Genesis 2013 (Gabrielle Lamb’s Manifold), 2015 (Garrett Smith’s Mortal Form), 2019 (Aleix Mañé’s Exilio), and 2022 (Price Suddarth’s Aftermath). Hidalgo has danced as a guest artist with Rockford Dance Company, Traverse City Dance Project, Madison Ballet, Engage Dance Academy, Ballet Juvenil Costarricense in Costa Rica, and was proud to appear in the premiere performance of Refuge Foundation for the Arts. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of classical ballet as a teacher in various summer programs and schools around the country. Annia is proud to be on the teaching faculty at Engage Dance Academy, teaching Ballet & Pointe for the top levels of Engage Dance Theatre.
Pedro Lapetra Miñana (Sugar Plum Cavalier) – Professional Guest Artist
Born in Zaragoza (Spain) began his training at Escuela Municipal de Danza in Zaragoza under the direction of Cristina Miñana. From 1997 to 2001, He enriched his training at Bartholin International Ballet Seminar in Copenhagen (Denmark) where He was awarded a scholarship to learn the Bournonville technique and work with Master teachers such as Vivi Flindt, Johnny Eliasen, Robert Denvers, Laura Alonso, Lloyd Riggins, Nicolaj Hubbe, David Howard aIn 2001 He joined European Ballet as a Principal dancer to perform Franz in Coppelia, He then went on to join the Norwegian National Ballet for the 2001/2002 season where He perform master pieces by Jiri Kylian, Paul Lightfoot, Michael Pink, and George Balanchine.
In 2003 He joined English National Ballet where he danced for 19 years and performed principal and soloist roles such as, Mercutio in Nureyev’s Romeo & Juliet, Bluebird in Macmillan’s Sleeping Beauty, Peasant Pas de Deux in Skeaping’s Giselle, Russian and Spanish Dance in Eagling’s Nutcracker, White Rabbit in Dean’s Alice in Wonderland, Ali in Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, Neapolitan Dance (Ashton) in Dean’s Swan Lake, Beggar Chief in Macmillan’s Manon, Solo Man in Pina Bauch’s Le Sacre du Printemps. He has also worked with major choreographers like Roland Petit, John Neumeire, Russell Maliphant, Akram Khan, Christopher Wheeldon and Tamara Rojo and performed at prestigious stages like Palais Garnier (Paris), Bolshoi Theatre (Moscow), Tokyo’s Bunka Kaikan, Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Athens).
Pedro appeared in several International Ballet Galas where he performed Don Quixote Pas de Deux, Flower Festival in Genzano, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Flames of Paris, Le Corsaire Pas de Deux, Coppelia Pas de Deux, Satanella Pas de Deux, Pas de Esclave from Le Corsaire, Diana & Acteon Pas de Deux, La Sylphide Act II Pas de Deux.
He graduated from the Royal Ballet Teaching Diploma in 2018 and has been a guest teacher with English National Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet II, Rambert School of Dance, English National Ballet School, Escuela de Francisca Tomas (Palma de Mallorca), Los Angeles Ballet Academy. In 2022, he was Assistant of Choreography for Tamara Rojo’s Cinderella at Royal Swedish Ballet.
Elijah Richardson (Arabian, Spanish) – EDT Jazz teacher & Professional Guest Artist
Elijah is a California-native Filipino-American dancer based in Chicago. Early training in musical theatre and figure skating, he went on to earn his BFA in Dance Performance from Chapman University in 2018. Elijah started his career with DanceWorks Chicago for three seasons, and has guest performed with The Cambrians, Collage Dance Collective, and Anaheim Ballet. Currently, he is in his third season with South Chicago Dance Theatre. Highlights with the company include debut performances at the Harris Theater, Auditorium Theatre, Dance for Life with Giordano Dance Chicago, and featured dancer in Chicago Opera Theater’s “The Nose.” In 2023, Dance Magazine named Elijah “Top 25 to Watch,” highlighting how he “pulls off impassioned lyricism and pinpoint precision as easily as slapstick comedy.” He has originated featured roles in works by Charissa Lee Barton, Ron De Jesus, Vincent Hardy, Joshua Manculich, Stephanie Martinez, Kia Smith, and Ido Tadmor. Additional repertoire include Ohad Naharin, Bobbi Jene Smith, Alex Ketley, Shannon Alvis, Crystal Michelle Perkins, Christian Spück, and George Balanchine among others. An emerging choreographer, Elijah has presented work at Loyola University Chicago, Trifecta Dance Festival, South Chicago Dance Festival, Harvest Chicago Dance Festival, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Second City Dance Ministry, Zion Dance Project, Chapman University, Flatlands Dance Film Festival, and four times at Mobile Dance Film Festival. A sought after teacher, he has shared classes with University of Chicago, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, Zion Dance Project, and studios across the Chicagoland area. He has been an EDT jazz instructor at Engage Dance Academy since 2021. elijahrichardson.com
ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE COMPANY
OPEN DIVISION
Everly Backe, Jack Backe, Bryar Brown, Ariana Cardenas, Cecilia Carlson, Iris Carter, Autumn Cordell, Georgia Dodaro, Grace Doering, Heidi Doering, Morrighan Escutia, Charlotte Foster, Lucas Georgiou, Jack Golonka, Harlyn Guzman, Kinslie Hahn-Clifton, Kylie Imhoff, Miabella Keats, Lily Lynn Kosjer, Emmie Lane, Audrey Lowe, Madison Luckey, Ela Medina, Layla Medina, Alaynah Nilsen, Ellie Palombit, Brooklyn Patronik, Isabella Phillips, Addison Rivera, Alyssa Rivera, Montserrat Rivera, Geneva Rogulic, Charlotte Tanael, Everly Schiefelbein, Arya Schwarz, Sofia de Souza Queiroz, Leah Stanton, Shayla Stanton, Audrey Suh, Emilia Swat, Cecelia Tessmer, Abby Tumblin,
Sophie Tumblin, Lily Wietlispach, Ethan Zimmerman
PARTY PARENTS
Lauren Backe, Matt Backe, Kristin Georgy, Steve Georgy, Chris Golonka, Ian Hutchinson,
Brittany Steiner, Allison Woodin
HOT CHOCOLATE CAST – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1:00 PM AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 5:00 PM
| Clara | Adelaide Leitzen |
| Fritz | Alexandra Zaucha |
| Frau Drosselmeyer | Marc Petrocci |
| Nephew/Nutcracker | Greysen Hutchinson |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Lauren Backe, Matt Backe, Chris Golonka, Ian Hutchinson, Brittany Steiner, Allison Woodin |
| Maid | Kathryn Golonka |
| Nanny | Rebekah Patronik |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Zofia Knezevic |
| Party Girls | Florence DeMarco, Isabelle Kupa, Kate Lopresti, Sophea Stark |
| Party Boys | Jack Backe, Jack Golonka |
| Party Teens | Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Sheelin Steiner |
| Columbine Doll | Alexandra Georgiou |
| Harlequin Doll | Braelyn Berg |
| Pierrot Dolls | Eleanor Bodam, Stella Lopresti, Anna Maguire, Savanna Winkelman |
| Mouse Queen | Josie Kavan |
| Lead Mouse | Darcie Emmert |
| Sargent Mice | Natalie Kraft, Jessica Moore, Madison Shuman |
| Mice | Elle Horrigan, Elliot Jones, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Cecelia Tessmer |
| Lead Soldier | Arthur Bodam |
| Soldiers | Morrighan Escutia, Gianna Ferrera, Aria Huege, Isabella Phillips, Audrey Suh, Brynn Watson, Elsie Woosley |
| Penguins | Bryar Brown, Iris Carter, Autumn Cordell, Arya Schwarz, Shayla Stanton, Lily Wietlispach |
| Snow Queen | Erin McCann |
| Snowflakes | Brielle Baumgart, Ella Beers, Sydney Derbas, Olivia Georgy, Kate Gossman, Gianna Junge, Josie Kavan, Lauren Revnew, Addison Vanlandingham, Samantha Webb, Madeline Woodin |
| Icicles | Stella Blackney, Haydee Medari, Lillian Nowakowski, Ashley Seidel |
| Snowmen | Addison Rivera, Alyssa Rivera, Montserrat Rivera |
| Reindeer | Ariana Cardenas, Georgia Dodaro, Harlyn Guzman, Kinslie Hahn-Clifton, Leah Stanton, Charlotte Tanael |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Kiera Soliz |
| Cotton Candy Angels | Rachel Blair, Paz Medari, Blair Pondel, Haley Seidel, Bronwyn Steiner |
| White Winged Angels | Kylie Imhoff, Brooklyn Patronik |
| Gold Winged Angels | Hannah Kosiba, Sophia Markel, Ruby Plott |
| Pages | Spanish – Natalie Kraft |
| Arabian – Sophea Stark | |
| Russian – Jessica Moore | |
| Shepherdess – Tayven Malooley | |
| Chinese – Lexi Seidel | |
| Peppermint (Mini Mints)– Adeline Eder, Adeline Piemontese | |
| Flowers (Butterflies) – Isabelle Kupa, Morgan Pondel | |
| Sugar Plum – Madison Shuman | |
| Sugar Plum Cavalier – Arthur Bodam | |
| Spanish | Erin McCann, Elijah Richardson* |
| Arabian | Ella Beers, Greysen Hutchinson |
| Sand Snake | Aubrey Campbell |
| Chinese – Soloist | Rebekah Patronik |
| Chinese – Demi-Soloist | Braelyn Berg, Darcie Emmert |
| Tea Leaves | Abbey Andrews, Ashlynn Flannigan, Skylar Franken |
| Shepherdess – Soloist | Josie Kavan |
| Maiden – Demi-Soloist | Olivia Georgy, Madeline Woodin |
| Geese | Charlotte Buckler, Jordyn Petrocci, Mila Reibel |
| Russian – Soloist | Brielle Baumgart |
| Russian – Demi-Soloist | Haydee Medari |
| Merry Mint | Sydney Derbas |
| Mini Mints | Adeline Eder, Vivianne Horrigan, Adeline Piemontese, Kinley Watson |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Samantha Webb |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Kate Gossman, Gianna Junge |
| Indigo | Stella Blackney, Alexandra Georgiou, Emmaline Georgiou, Lauren Revnew, Ashley Seidel, Addison Vanlandingham |
| Purple | Lucia DeMarco, Kathryn Golonka, Zofia Knezevic, Lillian Nowakowski, Sheelin Steiner, Alexandra Zaucha |
| Lilac | Kate Lopresti, Tayven Malooley, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Butterflies | Isabelle Kupa, Morgan Pondel |
| Sugar Pixies | Gwendolyn Carter, Evangeline Georgiou, Mila Keller, Rylee Valentine |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Annia Hidalgo* |
| Cavalier | Pedro Lopetra* |
*Professional Guest Artist
APPLE CIDER CAST – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 5:00 PM AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1:00 PM
| ACT 1 | |
| Clara | Emmaline Georgiou |
| Fritz | Arthur Bodam |
| Herr Drosselmeyer | Marc Petrocci |
| Nephew/Nutcracker | Greysen Hutchinson |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Lauren Backe, Matt Backe, Chris Golonka, Ian Hutchinson, Brittany Steiner, Allison Woodin |
| Maids | Darcie Emmert, Sheelin Steiner |
| Nanny | Addison Vanlandingham |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Haydee Medari |
| Party Girls | Hannah Kosiba, Morgan Pondel, Madison Shuman |
| Party Boys | Jack Backe, Lucas Georgiou, Ethan Zimmerman |
| Party Teens | Kathryn Golonka, Alexandra Zaucha |
| Columbine Doll | Olivia Georgy |
| Harlequin Doll | Stella Blackney |
| Pierrot Dolls | Charlotte Buckler, Aria Huege, Jordyn Petrocci, Mila Reibel |
| Mouse Queen | Lauren Revnew |
| Lead Mouse | Ashley Seidel |
| Sargent Mice | Tayven Malooley, Lexi Seidel, Sophea Stark |
| Mice | Rachel Blair, Ashlynn Flannigan, Skylar Franken, Bronwyn Steiner, Sophie Tumblin |
| Lead Soldier | Lillian Nowakowski |
| Soldiers | Florence DeMarco, Lily Lynn Kosjer, Audrey Lowe, Sophia Markel, Layla Medina, Alaynah Nilsen, Ruby Plott |
| Penguins | Emmie Lane, Madison Luckey, Ellie Palmobit, Geneva Rogulic, Everly Schiefelbein |
| Snow Queen | Kiera Soliz |
| Snowflakes | Brielle Baumgart, Ella Beers, Sydney Derbas, Alexandra Georgiou, Kate Gossman, Gianna Junge, Josie Kavan, Rebekah Patronik, Samantha Webb, Madeline Woodin |
| Icicles | Braelyn Berg, Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Zofia Knezevic |
| Snowmen | Everly Backe, Cecilia Carlson, Ela Medina |
| Reindeer | Heidi Doering, Charlotte Foster, Miabella Keats, Sofia de Souza Queiroz, Emilia Swat, Abby Tumblin |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Gianna Junge |
| Cotton Candy Angels | Abbey Andrews, Elliot Jones, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin |
| White Winged Angels | Grace Doering |
| Gold Winged Angels | Gianna Ferrera, Brynn Watson, Elsie Woosley |
| Pages | Spanish – Lexi Seidel |
| Arabian – Morgan Pondel | |
| Russian – Tayven Malooley | |
| Shepherdess – Jessica Moore | |
| Chinese – Natalie Kraft | |
| Peppermint (Mini Mints) – Evangeline Georgiou, Mila Keller | |
| Flowers (Butterflies) – Eleanor Bodam, Kate Lopresti | |
| Sugar Plum – Isabelle Kupa | |
| Sugar Plum Cavalier – Arthur Bodam | |
| Spanish | Kiera Soliz, Greysen Hutchinson |
| Arabian | Samantha Webb, Elijah Richardson* |
| Sand Snake | Lucia DeMarco |
| Chinese – Soloist | Addison Vanlandingham |
| Chinese – Demi-Soloist | Stella Blackney, Ashley Seidel |
| Tea Leaves | Elle Horrigan, Paz Medari, Blair Pondel |
| Shepherdess – Soloist | Erin McCann |
| Maiden – Demi-Soloist | Sydney Derbas, Alexandra Georgiou |
| Geese | Stella Lopresti, Anna Maguire, Savanna Winkelman |
| Russian – Soloist | Madeline Woodin |
| Russian – Demi-Soloist | Zofia Knezevic |
| Merry Mint | Kate Gossman |
| Mini Mints | Gwendolyn Carter, Evangeline Georgiou, Mila Keller, Rylee Valentine |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Josie Kavan |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Brielle Baumgart, Ella Beers |
| Indigo | Braelyn Berg, Olivia Georgy, Darcie Emmert, Adelaide Leitzen, Rebekah Patronik, Lauren Revnew |
| Purple | Aubrey Campbell, Kathryn Golonka, Haydee Medari, Lillian Nowakowski, Sheelin Steiner, Alexandra Zaucha |
| Lilac | Natalie Kraft, Jessica Moore, Madison Shuman, Sophea Stark |
| Butterflies | Eleanor Bodam, Kate Lopresti |
| Sugar Pixies | Adeline Eder, Vivianne Horrigan, Adeline Piemontese, Kinley Watson, Haley Seidel |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Annia Hidalgo* |
| Cavalier | Pedro Lopetra* |
*Professional Guest Artist
SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE CAST – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 6:00 PM
| ACT 1 | |
| Clara | Adelaide Leitzen |
| Fritz | Alexandra Zaucha |
| Frau Drosselmeyer | Marc Petrocci |
| Nephew/Nutcracker | Greysen Hutchinson |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Ian Hutchinson, Brittany Steiner, Allison Woodin |
| Maid | Darcie Emmert |
| Nanny | Addison Vanlandingham |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Zofia Knezevic |
| Party Girls | Isabelle Kupa, Morgan Pondel, Madison Shuman |
| Party Boys | Lucas Georgiou |
| Party Teens | Aubrey Campbell, Sheelin Steiner |
| Columbine Doll | Olivia Georgy |
| Harlequin Doll | Stella Blackney |
| Pierrot Dolls | Aria Huege, Jordyn Petrocci, Mila Reibel, Savanna Winkelman |
| Mouse Queen | Lauren Revnew |
| Lead Mouse | Darcie Emmert |
| Sargent Mice | Tayven Malooley, Lexi Seidel, Sophea Stark |
| Mice | Ashlynn Flannigan, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Bronwyn Steiner |
| Lead Soldier | Arthur Bodam |
| Soldiers | Gianna Ferrera, Sophia Markel, Brynn Watson, Elsie Woosley |
| Snow Queen | Erin McCann |
| Snowflakes | Brielle Baumgart, Sydney Derbas, Alexandra Georgiou, Olivia Georgy, Kate Gossman, Josie Kavan, Rebekah Patronik, Lauren Revnew, Addison Vanlandingham, Madeline Woodin |
| Icicles | Stella Blackney, Aubrey Campbell, Haydee Medari, Ashley Seidel |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Kiera Soliz |
| Cotton Candy Angels | Elliot Jones, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Bronwyn Steiner |
| Gold Winged Angels | Gianna Ferrera, Sophia Markel, Brynn Watson |
| Spanish | Erin McCann, Greysen Hutchinson |
| Chinese – Soloist | Rebekah Patronik |
| Chinese – Demi-Soloist | Braelyn Berg, Darcie Emmert |
| Tea Leaves | Ashlynn Flannigan, Paz Medari, Blair Pondel |
| Maiden – Demi-Soloist | Alexandra Georgiou, Olivia Georgy |
| Geese | Charlotte Buckler, Jordyn Petrocci, Mila Reibel |
| Russian – Soloist | Madeline Woodin |
| Russian – Demi-Soloist | Zofia Knezevic |
| Merry Mint | Sydney Derbas |
| Mini Mints | Evangeline Georgiou, Kinley Watson |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Josie Kavan |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Brielle Baumgart, Kate Gossman |
| Indigo | Stella Blackney, Darice Emmert, Emmy Georgiou, Lauren Revnew, Ashley Seidel, Addison Vanlandingham |
| Purple | Aubrey Campbell, Zofia Knezevic, Haydee Medari, Sheelin Steiner, Alexandra Zaucha |
| Lilac | Jessica Moore, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman, Sophea Stark |
| Butterflies | Eleanor Bodam, Isabelle Kupa |
| Sugar Pixies | Evangeline Georgiou, Haley Seidel, Kinley Watson |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Annia Hildalgo |
| Cavalier | Pedro Lapetra |
*Professional Guest Artist
Studio Calendar
December 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024 – Studio closed for Winter Break
Look out for Winter Workshop classes!
- December 20, 2023 – Sensory Friendly Nutcracker Performance
- March 23, 2024 – March 31, 2024 – Spring Break
- April 7, 2024 – Engage Dance Theatre Presents Pointes for a Purpose Performance
- April 15, 2024 – Summer Registration Begins
- May 26, 2024 – Progressions Pictures
- June 8 & 9, 2024 – Progressions Performances
- June 10 – June 23, 2024 – “Beginning of Summer” Break
- June 24, 2024 – Summer Session Begins
- August 5 – August 11, 2024 – “End of Summer” Break
- August 12, 2024 – Fall Session Begins
Additional Thank You’s
Engage Dance Academy would like to take a moment to acknowledge a few organizations and individuals, outside of the Raue Center partnership, who have contributed significantly to the growth of this production over the past year.
Thank you to the Milwaukee Ballet Company for making it possible for us to acquire the beautiful scenic elements now in our Party and Battle scenes, as well as some beautifully crafted costumes featured in Cotton Candy Angels, Shepherdess, Geese, Spanish, and Arabian.
Thank you to Kim Schmitt for her 1.5 year partnership with Ms. Courtney on the design and construction of the brand-new Waltz of the Flowers costumes. In connection with this beautiful new Waltz of the Flowers, we need to thank many of our EDA families, in particular Sara Hutchinson, Teri Vanlandingham, and Liz Knezevic for countless hours spent bringing these costumes to life.
Thank you to MSeam Apparel for their custom design and creation of our new Soldier costumes.
One last thank you to the Load In/Out ‘Strong Arm’ Crew for an extra “large” contribution bringing this “larger than life” production to Raue Center Stage, with transportation arranged by Green Worldwide Shipping LLC., and serviced by JA Freight of Crystal Lake.
ABOUT ENGAGE DANCE
Engage Dance Academy is a premiere dance academy owned & operated by Courtney & Marc Petrocci, former professional dancers at the Milwaukee Ballet. Bringing professional caliber dance training to McHenry County for dancers ages 18 months-Adult. Engage is a triple track dance studio offering dance classes for all levels; Engage Dance Theatre, a year round pre-professional dance company for the more serious dancer ages 5-18 with three performances a year including a full length production of the Nutcracker; an award winning competition team for those dancers looking to compete in Chicago based competitions; and an Open Division for dancers looking for a wide variety of weekly classes ranging from baby ballet, jazz, hip hop and Aerial Silks & Tumbling.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tim Paul, board president
John Jacobsen, vice president
Chuck Stevens, treasurer
Luanne Flavin, secretary
John Green
Mike H. Johnson
Richard Kuranda
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Regan Shepley
Steven Szalaj
Jerry Trachsler
Stacey McInerney
Volunteer Liaison
RAUE CENTER STAFF
Richard Kuranda
Raue Center CEO & Founding Artistic Director of Williams Street Repertory
Justin Wellington
Managing Director
Jenna Klaproth
Operations Manager
Meredith Schaefer-Flowers
Director of Marketing &
Institutional Advancement
Michele V. Knight
Marketing Manager
James Knight
Economic Development Manager
Rob Scharlow
Raue Center School for the Arts
Director of Education
Maribeth Ling
Front of House Manager
Chris Tumblin
Raue Center Director of Production
Ryan Meadow
Raue Center Production Manager
Robin Hughes
Executive Producer / Production Manager
Box Office Staff
Dan Cosgray
Naomi Unverzagt
About Raue Center For The Arts
Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.
For additional information follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or visit rauecenter.org.
