Bringing it home: Montgomery Ballet's 'Nutcracker' road trip leads to MPAC on Dec. 14

Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser
·4 min read

After performances on the road in Pike Road and Greenville, Montgomery Ballet is more than warmed up and ready for next's week's holiday extravaganza at home — their 51st annual "Nutcracker" performance at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

The road to the Dec. 14 show has been full of holiday magic.

"We're pretty much all in the Christmas spirit here more than normal, here in our new home on Fairview Avenue," said Danny Mitsios, artistic and executive director for Montgomery Ballet. In fact, he said they're "knee deep" in the spirit of the season.

"We're joining a lot of the organizations that are becoming the cultural identity of Montgomery," Mitsios said. "It's exciting."

Montgomery Ballet is presenting the 51st annual production of "Nutcracker" on Dec. 14 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.
Montgomery Ballet is presenting the 51st annual production of "Nutcracker" on Dec. 14 at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

From their new studio's window, he and the Cloverdale neighborhood community are seeing a really positive vibe from the company dancers, who have a couple of new additions this year. He's proud of how well the company's recent Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo was received this fall, and with Montgomery Ballet's recognition from the Montgomery Area Business Committee for the Arts (MABCA).

"It's a really nice group that gels well together," Mitsios said of his company's professional troupe. "They're really team players, and it makes my life a little easier."

Clara holds the nutcracker doll during Montgomery Ballet's "Nutcracker" performance from last year.
Clara holds the nutcracker doll during Montgomery Ballet's "Nutcracker" performance from last year.

Their effort is taking shape. Mitsios, who is in his sixth year of "Nutcracker" with Montgomery Ballet, said Pike Road's performance sold out. When shows began there a few years ago, the audience was very small.

"The more people came, the more people kept returning... We're to a place right now in Pike Road where we've got to decide if we're going to keep it (to one day), or if we're going to extend it to a two-day run," Mitsios said. "It's exciting that the community is embracing us to that extent."

For Greenville, their public show took place once again at Greenville High School on Sunday, with a performance for around 600 students on Monday. The school has welcomed them down in Butler County for a few years now.

That leads to the much anticipated Dec. 14 public MPAC performance at 6:30 p.m., with tickets prices ranging from $22 to $52. They're available online at mpaconline.org and by calling the MPAC box office at 334-481-5100.

"I do tell everyone that if you have the ability to go to the MPAC box office, do so," Mitsios said. "You'll save the Ticketmaster fees."

Prior to the Dec. 14 performance, they'll have a packed house for "Nutcracker" on Tuesday, Dec. 13 for a Linking Education and Art Performances (LEAP) show for about 1,500 students, chaperones and parents. Beyond the dance itself, Mitsios uses LEAP shows as a chance to talk to the students about ballet and art. He said it's an interactive educational experience with young people who may not realize that they'll actually like ballet.

"We might actually have sold (the LEAP show) out, which would be a first for Montgomery Ballet in I don't know how long," Mitsios said.

In addition to the Dec. 14 public presentation, Montgomery Ballet will offer a performance for students on Dec. 13 at MPAC.
In addition to the Dec. 14 public presentation, Montgomery Ballet will offer a performance for students on Dec. 13 at MPAC.

Thanks to a grant from Walmart, Montgomery Ballet has added to their "Nutcracker" costumes with new rat heads produced by a costume artist from London. They also have new dresses for Clara, the child who will be swept onto the "Nutcracker" magical journey.

In addition to his director roles, Mitsios is helping teach in Montgomery Ballet's school. From these youth, some are dancing in "Nutcracker" as well, to compliment the professionals.

"I can say with confidence that 80 percent of our ticket sales, if not more than that, are just people who want to come to the ballet," Mitsios said. "Not because they have a daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild in the performance. They're coming to see a show."

Clara receives the Nutcracker doll in during last year's Montgomery Ballet production.
Clara receives the Nutcracker doll in during last year's Montgomery Ballet production.

Mitsios also updated the "Nutcracker" choreography this year to highlight the dancers' strengths.

"We have a pretty full party scene," Mitsios said. "I have more dads this year than I've had in previous years, which is really exciting."

Those who have a difficult time making it to a Wednesday performance have good news for next year's 52nd anniversary "Nutcracker." That show will be on a Sunday, with the LEAP show moved to the following Monday, Mitsios said.

"I'm pretty excited that we'll have a weekend spot with MPAC starting next year," Mitsios said.

All the buzz around "Nutcracker" is likely leading to an expansion of their holiday road trip, Mitsios said.

"We may have some additional cities in the coming years," Mitsios said. "Maybe next season."

Looking ahead, Mitsios sait to expect some in-house spring shows in their studio at 1044 E. Fairview Ave.

"Our main purpose is to open our new home to the public so that people can come into our house, see what's going on," Mitsios said. "And also get information on plans for the rest of the building."

Learn more online at montgomeryballet.org.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery Ballet's 'Nutcracker' road trip comes home on Dec. 14