presented by
ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE and RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
@ RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
DECEMBER 19, 2025 @ 6 PM – SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
DECEMBER 20 – 21, 2025 @ 12 PM & 5 PM
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
Co-Produced with RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ENGAGE ARTISTIC DIRECTORS & OWNERS
Courtney & Marc Petrocci
ENGAGE FACULTY:
Kimberly Banner, Brielle Baumgart*, Amanda Gee, Olivia Georgy*, Alyssa Guzman, Ania Hildago, Erica Zafiriou *dancer with EDT
ENGAGE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF:
Michelle Baumgart, Marcy Chevalier, Olivia Georgy*, Tricia McCann
*dancer w/EDT
WARDROBE: Michelle Baumgart
PROPS: Lauren Martin
A SPECIAL THANKS…
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 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. Honored and humbled to have won Shaw Media’s Best of the Fox Dance Studio for Instruction for the past 9 years in a row. Engage has three dance training tracks; apre-professional Engage Dance Theatre, ages 5-19 years, for the more serious dancer; a Competition Crew, ages 8-19 years, for dancers looking to compete regionally; and an 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. With open year registration and a free trial class, come try a class or new style of dance with Engage.
NUTCRACKER SYNOPSIS
(Sensory Friendly show will perform a slightly shorter story)
We start our story on the eve of the Staulbaum Christmas party. Godmother Drosselmeyer is busy making last-minute adjustments to gifts for the party. She takes extra care to put the finishing touches on a special gift she has made for her 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 her 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. 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 Angelica and her herald of Angels at the gates of the Land of Sweets. Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Taffy, Marzipan Candy, 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 her goodnights 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 two overly pampered cats.
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, broadcast 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 of having 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 talented and diverse group of some of the world’s most prominent choreographers, Ms. Petrocci brings a 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 501 (c) (3) 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-renowned 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, Ms. Petrocci (along with Engage staff member Ms. Amanda Gee) completed a certification process in 2023 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.
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 about 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-renowned 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, and loves his job as Owner/Artistic Director because there is something truly magical watching young dancers and students learn and grow each day.
PROFESSIONAL GUEST PERFORMING ARTISTS
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 as 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
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 among others.
In 2001, He joined the 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 performed 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, and 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), and Los Angeles Ballet Academy.
In 2022, he was Assistant of Choreography for Tamara Rojo’s Cinderella at the Royal Swedish Ballet.
ALYSSA GUZMAN (Frau Drosselmeyer)
Alyssa Guzman is a current student at Dominican University working towards her degree in Elementary Education, EL, and Special Education. She serves as the captain of the Dominican University Starlettes dance team and is a member of the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program. Before attending college, Alyssa danced at Engage for fifteen years and continues to work at the studio as an instructor. She is so excited to be back on stage, reprising her role of Ms. Drosselmeyer, and hopes you enjoy the show!
ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE
COMPANY
Brielle Baumgart
Brielle is a sophomore, High Honor Roll student at Crystal Lake South. She has danced at Engage for 14 years, celebrating her 11th Nutcracker this season. Favorite past roles include Clara, Bestie, Angelica, and Merry. This year, she is honored to perform as Dew Drop, Snow Queen, and a Spanish duet. In addition to EDT, she dances on the competition team and Etudes. Last summer, Brielle had the opportunity to train with Kansas City Ballet, where she was invited to join their year-round program. She thanks her teachers for their guidance and her family—especially her Nana—who never misses a performance.
Olivia Georgy
This is Olivia’s 12th Nutcracker with Engage Dance Theatre. Some of her favorite roles have been Clara, Fritz, Columbine doll, Mouse Queen, Angelica, and Merry Mint. She is a member of Comp Crew and Études, advancing to both YAGP and ADC/IBC Finals. She has attended several dance intensives such as The John Cranko School in Connecticut where she was selected to travel to Stuttgart, Germany for further training, also International Contemporary Masters (ICM) in New York City, and recently a short-stay at The San Francisco Ballet School. Olivia is excited to perform the roles of Dew Drop Fairy, Arabian, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara’s bestie this year. Enjoy the show!
Rebekah Patronik
This year is Rebekah Patronik’s 10th year performing the Nutcracker with Engage Dance Academy! You may find her on stage as Angelica, Shepherdess Soloist, or a Snowflake. Some of her favorite roles throughout the years include Spanish demi soloist, Chinese soloist, maid, gingersnap, and party girl/teen. Along with dance, Rebekah is very busy with being a section leader in band, singing in choir, and taking pictures for the media club at her school. She wants to thank her family for helping her get to all these events and supporting her throughout the years, and she hopes you all enjoy the show! Happy Holidays, and enjoy the show!
Madeline Woodin
Madeline has danced at Engage for over 11 years. She’s a Junior at Prairie Ridge, where she’s on the football season dance team and is currently rehearsing for her second school musical. Madeline has loved performing numerous roles from Gingersnap and Snowman to Mouse Queen, Shepherdess, and Russian, and this year, she is honored to be Clara, Snow Queen, and Merry Mint. She competes in Etudes and Crew and plans to pursue dancing professionally. Madeline is grateful for her teachers for helping her become the dancer she is today, and thanks her grandparents, who have watched her perform in every Nutcracker.
APPRENTICES
Braelyn Berg
Playing Clara in The Nutcracker is a dream I’ve had since I began dancing 13 years ago. Over the past 6 years, I’ve been incredibly grateful for being a part of the Engage Studio. I also enjoy being on their competitive dance team. Engage Studio has not only provided me a place to grow as a dancer, but also a community filled with friendship, encouragement, and support. This past summer I received a scholarship to attend the New York City Dance Alliance and it was a great opportunity to further my education. Happy Holidays, and I hope you enjoy the show!
Stella Blackney
Now in her fourth season performing The Nutcracker, Stella Blackney is thrilled to appear as both the Arabian and Shepherdess soloists. A dedicated dancer since the age of three, she is honored to be an Apprentice and continue growing with each performance at Engage. Outside the studio, she brings the same passion and discipline to her school community. She is a proud member of the Marian Central Catholic varsity dance team, National Honor Society, French Club, and Student Council. Grateful for the support of her amazing teachers, family, and friends, Stella is excited to share the magic of this year’s Nutcracker with the Raue community.
Darcie Emmert
I am currently a senior at Marian Central Catholic High School. I have been dancing at Engage for 15 years and am so excited to perform in my sixth Nutcracker. I am honored to perform as the Mouse Queen, Angelica, Spanish and a Snowflake this year for my final Nutcracker. I have also been a member of the competition team for nine years and have enjoyed every moment of it. I would like to thank my teachers, family and friends for their endless support. I hope you enjoy the show!
Haydee Medari
Haydee Medari is an 8th grader at Bernotas Middle School and a dedicated dancer who has trained since the age of four. Engage has been her home studio throughout her journey, shaping her into a disciplined and passionate performer. As a member of both the Competition Team and the Études group, Haydee continues to push her artistry and technical growth. This season marks her seventh year in The Nutcracker, where she appears as Merry Mint, Columbine, Demi-Soloist Flower, and a Snowflake. She is deeply grateful to her coaches, the backstage crew, her loving family, and above all, God, whose love gives her the strength to shine on stage.
Ashley Seidel
Ashley is 16 years old and a junior. She has been dancing at Engage for 9 years and has been in Dance Theater and Comp Crew. She’s excited to be performing in her 7th Nutcracker at Engage. This year, she’s thrilled to have the opportunity to perform the roles of Mouse Queen, as well as Snowflake, Russian Soloist and Shepherdess Demi Soloist. Dancing in The Nutcracker with her younger sisters Lexi and Haley has been a special family tradition for many years. Ashley would like to thank her parents, Mr. Marc, Ms. Courtney and Ms. Ania for all of their support and guidance. She hopes you enjoy the show!
TRAINEES
Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Lillian Nowakowski
LEVEL 5
Arthur Bodam, Eleanor Bodam, Natalie Kraft, Isabelle Kupa, Kate LoPresti,
Jessica Moore, Morgan Pondel, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman, Sheelin Steiner
LEVEL 4
Charlotte Buckler, Florence DeMarco, Gianna Ferrera, Aria Huege,
Hannah Kosiba, Stella Lopresti, Anna Maguire, Sophia Markel, Paz Medari,
Jordyn Petrocci, Ruby Plott, Brynn Watson, Savanna Winkelman
LEVEL 3
Abbey Andrews, Rachel Blair, Ariana Cardenas, Wendy Carter,
Adeline Eder, Ashlynn Flannigan, Elle Horrigan, Kylie Imhoff,
Mila Keller, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Isabella Phillips,
Blair Pondel, Haley Seidel, Addison Staggs, Bronwyn Steiner,
Cece Tessmer, Sophie Tumblin, Rylee Valentine, Leilana Watson
LEVEL 2
Autumn Cordell, Samyra Crisostomo Matos, Emmie Lane, Brooklyn Patronik,
Geneva Rogulic, Avery Sebby, Kinley Watson
LEVEL 1
Bryar Brown, Riley Brown, Charlotte Haning, Mackenzie McDermott,
Bentyn Petrocci, Olivia Plott, Sadie Ringstrand, Kindan Steere
OPEN DIVISION
Emerson Andrews, Everly Backe, Julia Bar, Bianca Botteri Lino,
Cecilia Carlson, Iris Carter, Charlotte Cook, Cecilia Dadabo, Alessa DiFronzo, Maya Domeracki,
Braelyn Drew, Morrighan Escutia, Jenna Forgette, Claire Horrigan, Margaret Kelley,
Olivia Kourtev, Madison Luckey, Michaela Maloney, Amelia Markel, Alegra Melesio,
Isla Owens, Mila Parks, Freyja Pinkawa, Cambria Pollack, Addison Rivera, Alyssa Rivera, Teryn Shimp,
McKenna Sroka, Jade Steere, Emilia Swat, Genevieve Swat, Abigail Tumblin,
Kaitlyn Volling, Elliana Winn, Elizabeth Wyatt, Rosario Zepeda-Alvarez, Eden Zurakov
PARTY PARENTS
Kristin Georgy, Steve Georgy,
Brittany Steiner, Shaun Tessmer, Allison Woodin
SENSORY FRIENDLY CAST
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 6:00 PM
| ACT 1 | |
| Clara | Braelyn Berg |
| Fritz | Jordyn Petrocci |
| Frau Drosselmeyer | Alyssa Guzman |
| Nephew/Nutcracker | Arthur Bodam |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Brittany Steiner, Shaun Tessmer, Allison Woodin |
| Maid | Florence DeMarco, Natalie Kraft |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Stella Blackney |
| Party Girls | Gianna Ferrera, Addison Staggs, Brynn Watson |
| Party Boys | Paz Medari, Ruby Plott |
| Columbine Doll | Haydee Medari |
| Harlequin Doll | Isabelle Kupa |
| Pierrot Dolls | Abbey Andrews, Elle Horrigan, Mila Martin, Sophie Tumblin |
| Mouse Queen | Ashley Seidel |
| Lead Mouse | Morgan Pondel |
| Sargent Mice | Hannah Kosiba, Savanna Winkelman |
| Mice | Brooklyn Patronik, Avery Sebby, Kinley Watson |
| Lead Soldier | Eleanor Bodam |
| Soldiers | Ariana Cardenas, Kylie Imhoff, Adalee Kratenstein, Isabella Phillips, Cece Tessmer |
| Snow Queen | Madeline Woodin |
| Snowflakes | Brielle Baumgart, Stella Blackney, Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Darcie Emmert, Olivia Georgy, Haydee Medari, Lillian Nowakowski, Rebekah Patronik, Ashley Seidel |
| Icicles | Natalie Kraft, Jessica Moore, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Darcie Emmert |
| Gold Winged Angels | Wendy Carter, Haley Seidel, Bronwyn Steiner |
| Spanish – Lead Lady | Brielle Baumgart |
| Spanish – Gentleman | Arthur Bodam |
| Arabian | Stella Blackney |
| Sand Snake | Eleanor Bodam |
| Chinese – Soloist | Lillian Nowakowski |
| Tea Leaves | Autumn Cordell, Samyra Crisostomo-Matos, Emmie Lane, Geneva Rogulic |
| Shepherdess | Rebekah Patronik |
| Shepherdess Demi-Soloists | Jessica Moore, Ashley Seidel |
| Geese | Ashlynn Flannigan, Leilana Watson, Blair Pondel |
| Merry Mint | Haydee Medari |
| Mini Mints | Riley Brown, Olivia Plott |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Brielle Baumgart |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco |
| Violet | Natalie Kraft, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Purple | Isabelle Kupa, Morgan Pondel |
| Lilac | Jordyn Petrocci, Savanna Winkelman |
| Butterflies | Ruby Plott, Brynn Watson |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Olivia Georgy |
HOT CHOCOLATE CAST
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 12:00 PM AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 5:00 PM
*Professional Guest Artist
| ACT 1 | |
| Clara | Braelyn Berg |
| Fritz | Stella Lopresti |
| Frau Drosselmeyer | Alyssa Guzman |
| Nephew/
Nutcracker |
Arthur Bodam |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Brittany Steiner, Shaun Tessmer, Allison Woodin |
| Maid | Florence DeMarco, Lexi Seidel |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Stella Blackney |
| Party Girls | Charlotte Buckler, Morrighan Escutia, Aria Huege, Sophia Markel, Paz Medari, Ruby Plott |
| Party Boys | Gianna Ferrera, Brynn Watson, Savanna Winkelman |
| Columbine Doll | Haydee Medari |
| Harlequin Doll | Jessica Moore |
| Pierrot Dolls | Ariana Cardenas, Rachel Blair, Kylie Imhoff, Mila Keller, Addison Staggs, Cece Tessmer, Sophie Tumblin, Rylee Valentine |
| Mouse Queen | Ashley Seidel |
| Lead Mouse | Morgan Pondel |
| Sargent Mice | Hannah Kosiba, Anna Maguire, Jordyn Petrocci |
| Mice | Samyra Crisostomo-Matos, Emmie Lane, Brooklyn Patronik, Addison Rivera, Alyssa Rivera, Geneve Rogulic, Abigail Tumblin |
| Lead Soldier | Isabelle Kupa |
| Soldiers | Wendy Carter, Adeline Eder, Elle Horrigan, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Isabella Phillips, Blair Pondel, Haley Seidel, Bronwyn Steiner |
| Penguins | Olivia Kourtev, Michaela Maloney, Freyja Pinkawa, Elliana Winn |
| Snow Queen | Madeline Woodin |
| Snowflakes | Brielle Baumgart, Stella Blackney, Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Darcie Emmert, Olivia Georgy, Lillian Nowakowski, Haydee Medari, Rebekah Patronik, Ashley Seidel |
| Icicles | Eleanor Bodam, Natalie Kraft, Kate Lopresti, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Snowmen | Bianca Botteri Lino, Riley Brown, Iris Carter, Alessa DiFronzo, Mackenzie McDermott, Olivia Plott, Kindan Steere |
| Reindeer | Julia Bar, Charlotte Cook, Jenna Forgette, Mila Parks |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Rebekah Patronik |
| Cotton Candy Angels | Autumn Cordell, Avery Sebby, Kinley Watson |
| White Winged Angels | Cecilia Dadabo, Isla Owens, Elizabeth Wyatt |
| Gold Winged Angels | Abbey Andrews, Rachel Blair, Adeline Eder, Elle Horrigan, Adalee Kratenstein, Isabella Phillips, Addison Staggs, Cece Tessmer, Sophie Tumblin |
| Pages | Spanish – Gianna Ferrera & Hannah Kosiba |
| Arabian – Ruby Plott | |
| Russian – Paz Medari | |
| Shepherdess – Sophia Markel | |
| Chinese – Florence DeMarco | |
| Peppermint – Aria Huege | |
| Mini Mints – Mackenzie McDermott & Kindan Steere | |
| Butterflies – Charlotte Buckler & Brynn Watson | |
| Sugar Plum – Savanna Winkelman | |
| Spanish – Lead Lady | Darcie Emmert |
| Spanish – Demi-Soloist | Aubrey Campbell, Lillian Nowakowski |
| Arabian | Olivia Georgy |
| Sand Snake | Morgan Pondel |
| Chinese – Soloist | Arthur Bodam |
| Chinese – Demi-Soloist | Jessica Moore, Lexi Seidel |
| Tea Leaves | Brooklyn Patronik, Avery Sebby, Kinley Watson |
| Shepherdess | Stella Blackney |
| Shepherdess Demi-Soloist | Lucia DeMarco, Madison Shuman |
| Geese | Ashlynn Flannigan, Leilana Watson, Blair Pondel |
| Russian – Soloist | Ashley Seidel |
| Russian – Demi-Soloist | Natalie Kraft |
| Merry Mint | Madeline Woodin |
| Mini Mints | Riley Brown, Mackenzi
e McDermott, Olivia Plott, Kindan Steere |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Brielle Baumgart |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Haydee Medari, Lillian Nowakowski |
| Violet | Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Natalie Kraft, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Purple | Eleanor Bodam, Isabelle Kupa, Kate Lopresti, Morgan Pondel |
| Lilac | Stella Lopresti, Anna Maguire, Jordyn Petrocci, Savanna Winkelman |
| Butterflies | Charlotte Buckler, Brynn Watson |
| Sugar Pixies | Charlotte Haning, Sadie Ringstrand, Bryar Brown |
| Cavalier Squire | Bentyn Petrocci |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Annia Hidalgo* |
| Cavalier | Pedro Lopetra* |
APPLE CIDER CAST
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20; 5:00 PM AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 12:00 PM
*Professional Guest Artist
| ACT 1 | |
| Clara | Madeline Woodin |
| Fritz | Jordyn Petrocci |
| Frau Drosselmeyer | Alyssa Guzman |
| Nephew/Nutcracker | Arthur Bodam |
| Mrs. Staulbaum | Kristin Georgy |
| Mr. Staulbaum | Steve Georgy |
| Party Parents | Brittany Steiner, Shaun Tessmer, Allison Woodin |
| Maid | Charlotte Buckler, Natalie Kraft |
| Clara’s Best Friend | Olivia Georgy |
| Party Girls | Florence DeMarco, Gianna Ferrera, Hannah Kosiba, Anna Maguire, Addison Staggs, Brynn Watson |
| Party Boys | Sophia Markel, Paz Medari, Ruby Plott |
| Columbine Doll | Aubrey Campbell |
| Harlequin Doll | Isabelle Kupa |
| Pierrot Dolls | Abbey Andrews, Adeline Eder, Elle Horrigan, Adalee Kratenstein, Mila Martin, Isabella Phillips, Haley Seidel |
| Mouse Queen | Darcie Emmert |
| Lead Mouse | Kate Lopresti |
| Sargent Mice | Aria Huege, Stella Lopresti, Savanna Winkelman |
| Mice | Everly Backe, Cici Carlson, Autumn Cordell, Brooklyn Patronik, Cambria Pollack, Avery Sebby, Kinley Watson |
| Lead Soldier | Eleanor Bodam |
| Soldiers | Ariana Cardenas, Wendy Carter, Ashlynn Flannigan, Kylie Imhoff, Mila Keller, Bronwyn Steiner, Cece Tessmer, Sophie Tumblin, Rylee Valentine,
Leilana Watson |
| Penguins | Emerson Andrews, Amelia Markel, Alegra Melesio, Teryn Shimp, Eden Zurakov |
| Snow Queen | Brielle Baumgart |
| Snowflakes | Braelyn Berg, Stella Blackney, Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco, Darcie Emmert, Olivia Georgy, Haydee Medari, Lillian Nowakowski, Rebekah Patronik, Ashley Seidel |
| Icicles | Natalie Kraft, Jessica Moore, Morgan Pondel, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Snowmen | Bryar Brown, Braelyn Drew, Charlotte Haning, Madison Luckey, Bentyn Petrocci, Sadie Ringstrand, Emilia Swat, Kaitlyn Volling |
| Reindeer | Claire Horrigan, Margaret Kelley, Genevieve Swat, Rosario Zepeda-Alvarez |
| ACT 2 | |
| Angelica | Darcie Emmert |
| Cotton Candy Angels | Samyra Crisostomo-Matos, Emmie Lane, Geneva Rogulic |
| White Winged Angels | Maya Domeracki, McKenna Sroka, Jade Steere |
| Gold Winged Angels | Ariana Cardenas, Wendy Carter, Ashlynn Flannigan, Kylie Imhoff, Mila Martin, Blair Pondel, Haley Seidel, Bronwyn Steiner, Rylee Valentine,
Leilana Watson |
| Pages | Spanish – Florence DeMarco, Paz Medari |
| Arabian – Brynn Watson | |
| Russian – Aria Huege | |
| Shepherdess – Gianna Ferrera | |
| Chinese – Charlotte Buckler | |
| Peppermint – Hannah Kosiba | |
| Mini Mints – Charlotte Haning, Bentyn Petrocci | |
| Butterflies – Sophia Markel, Ruby Plott | |
| Sugar Plum – Anna Maguire | |
| Spanish – Lead Lady | Brielle Baumgart |
| Spanish – Gentleman | Arthur Bodam |
| Arabian | Stella Blackney |
| Sand Snake | Eleanor Bodam |
| Chinese – Soloist | Lillian Nowakowski |
| Chinese – Demi-Soloist | Kate Lopresti, Lexi Seidel |
| Tea Leaves | Autumn Cordell, Samyra Crisostomo Matos, Emmie Lane, Geneva Rogulic |
| Shepherdess | Rebekah Patronik |
| Shepherdess Demi-Soloist | Jessica Moore, Ashley Seidel |
| Geese | Abbey Andrews, Rachel Blair, Mila Keller |
| Russian – Soloist | Braelyn Berg |
| Russian – Demi-Soloist | Madison Shuman |
| Merry Mint | Haydee Medari |
| Mini Mints | Bryar Brown, Charlotte Haning, Bentyn Petrocci, Sadie Ringstrand |
| Waltz of the Flowers | |
| Dew Drop Fairy | Olivia Georgy |
| Mauve Demi-Soloist | Aubrey Campbell, Lucia DeMarco |
| Violet | Natalie Kraft, Jessica Moore, Lillian Nowakowski, Lexi Seidel, Madison Shuman |
| Purple | Eleanor Bodam, Isabelle Kupa, Kate Lopresti, Morgan Pondel |
| Lilac | Stella Lopresti, Anna Maguire, Jordyn Petrocci, Savanna Winkelman |
| Butterflies | Sophia Markel, Ruby Plott |
| Sugar Pixies | Riley Brown, Mackenzie McDermott, Olivia Plott, Kindan Steere |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | Annia Hidalgo* |
| Cavalier | Pedro Lopetra* |
ENGAGE STUDIO CALENDAR
· December 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026 – Studio closed for Winter Break
· January 5, 2026 – Classes Resume
· March 23-29, 2026 – Studio closed for Spring Break
· April 3, 2026 – Studio closed for Good Friday
· April 12, 2026 – Pointes for a Purpose performance
· May 25, 2026 – Studio closed for Memorial Day
· May 31, 2026 – Progressions Picture Day
· June 6 & 7, 2026 – Progressions
· June 8-21, 2026 – Studio closed for Beginning of Summer Break
· June 22, 2026 – Summer Session Begins
· July 4, 2026 – Studio closed for Independence Day
· August 3-9, 2026 – Studio closed for End of Summer Break
· August 10, 2026 – Fall session begins
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
Jerry Trachsler, treasurer
Luanne Flavin, secretary
Mike H. Johnson
Jack Minsley
Rich Naponelli
Michelle Nowland
Sandra Pierce
Steven Szalaj
Stacey McInerney
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
Box Office Staff
Max Powers
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.
