Celebrating the Season: Barrington Dance Ensemble's Nutcracker

Barrington, IL, December 2017 –– The Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE) performed its 23rd annual production of The Nutcracker at the Richard C. Johnson Auditorium in the Barrington High School. Staged by Gregory Merriman and directed by BDE’s Founder and Artistic Director Mary Brennan, over 2,000 ballet enthusiasts viewed the beloved holiday tradition over the four show run from Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3. New this year, audience members were welcomed by a visit from the North Pole as Santa Claus was present on opening night. And speaking of presents, guests had the opportunity to shop for the holidays at the festive Nutcracker Shop filled with handcrafted gifts and unique treats. The hallmark of BDE’s Nutcracker each year is the stunning dancing by young performers, BDE company members, and world-class professional guest artists. The production’s iconic score and festive holiday scenes captivated audience members young and old.

Set to the score of Tchaikovsky, the audience was lost in the story of Clara’s magical gift, an exciting battle between soldiers and mice, and the dreamy Land of Sweets. Acclaimed guest artists from National and Chicago regional dance companies performed lead soloist roles. Meghan Loman and Martin Justo, principal company members with Carolina Ballet Theater, guest starred for the first time with BDE as the Sugar Plum Fairy & Cavalier, and wowed the crowd with their spectacular performances. Also taking the stage were 90 student dancers from BDE, the Barrington Dance Academy and other local dance studios in the Northwest Chicago suburbs. Molly Knecht & Lucy Shannon (both of Barrington) shared the role of Clara, the story’s heroine. Other featured BDE company members were Lana Homola (Barrington) & Tiffany Frankel (Lake Barrington) who shared the role of the Columbine Doll, and Stephanie Eggers (Kildeer) who performed as the sparkling Snow Queen; these dancers were partnered by professional guest artist Joe Musiel (Inaside Chicago Dance). Jessica Eggers (Kildeer) and Emma Landenberger (Barrington Hills) shared the role of the elegant Fairy Angel who welcomes Clara to the Land of Sweets. Alana Wu (South Barrington) and Elizabeth Yen (Deer Park) performed the fiery Spanish Chocolate, along with professional guest artist Adam Houston (Giordano Dance Chicago). Lana Homola (Barrington) and Isabelle Tilford (Round Lake Beach) shared the spunky lead Chinese role. Caleigh Meehan (Fox River Grove) delighted audiences in the role of the graceful Dew Drop fairy.

“The Barrington Dance Ensemble’s Nutcracker performance is a Barrington holiday tradition. Each year the production has become an annual must-see for children and adults alike. The choreography, the set, the music, and the costumes truly delight the audience and prepare everyone for the holiday season. Thank you to all of the dancers, volunteers, donors, staff, and loyal audience members who made it another successful production,” says Mary Brennan, Founder and Artistic Director of BDE.

Prior to BDE’s production of the The Nutcracker, local young dance enthusiasts enjoyed a fairy-tale evening at Clara’s Tea Party, held on Saturday, November 18 at Barrington Dance Academy. Youngsters met and danced with Clara and her friends from the time-honored classic and partook in a holiday tea, complete with treats straight from the Land of Sweets.

BDE is dedicated to presenting the highest level of classical ballet and dance to the Barrington area. Students are coached by professional dance artists, and are exposed to the highest caliber set, lighting, costume, and production crews during The Nutcracker and all BDE performances.

Save the Date for BDE’s Spring Production, Under the Big Top, a circus ballet, taking place on Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16 at the Sanfilippo Estate in the Carousel House. The spectacular production will be an event for the whole family featuring circus entertainers, in addition to an energetic ballet performance. Local students are invited to become part of the magic by enrolling in Barrington Dance Academy’s winter class term starting in January 2018.

About BDE

Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE) is a 501©3 non-profit charitable arts organization that promotes artistic integrity, involvement, and awareness through exceptional dance training and performance in the Chicagoland area. For more information, please visit www.BYDE.org or call 847.382.6333. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Our Sponsors

The Nutcracker was made possible by: The Benson Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, The Sanfilippo Foundation, Rose Packing Company, Woodland Foundation, Barrington Junior Women’s Club, The DeMar Foundation, Inc., John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc., CH Robinson, Microsoft Coporation, Wickstrom Ford, Heads Up Apparel.

Photos: Kelly Stachura Photography, Barrington, Illinois

BDE’s 2017 Nutcracker Production