Connecticut Ballet Announces Guest Stars for 'Nutcracker' Performances in Stamford

Connecticut Ballet’s holiday blockbuster and perennial audience favorite, The Nutcracker, returns to Palace Theatre, Stamford Center for the Arts for four performances on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21.

The ballet’s Artistic Director Brett Raphael has announced the guest stars Gillian Murphy, Veronika Part, Marcelo Gomes, and James Whiteside, all principal dancers with American Ballet Theatre, will alternate in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier.

Performances are 2 and 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, and 1 and 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21.

The professional company will be joined by more than 100 local children from a dozen dance schools and academies. Ticketholders will have the unique opportunity to obtain autographs or take photos with the guest artists in the lobby following each performance.

Tickets range in price from $30 to $75 (plus Palace Theatre surcharges) and are available by calling Stamford Center for the Arts box office at 203-325-4466 or online at www.palacestamford.org.

All performances are fully handicapped accessible. Group rates for parties of 20 or more carry a 20 percent discount.

For info, call Connecticut Ballet at 203-964-1211 or visit www.connecticutballet.com.

Contributed photos.

1) Gillian Murphy.

2) Veronika Part

3) Marcelo Gomes

4) James Whiteside