The Nutcracker Gets Set to Take Center Stage

It wont take long for Windham to dive into the holiday spirit after Thanksgiving comes and goes this year.

On Nov. 26-27, New England Dance Ensemble will be putting on a production of "The Nutcracker" at the Windham High School Theater. The traditional ballet will include performances by professional dancers from the American Ballet Theatre, a prestigious company based in New York City. They will all take on lead soloist roles.

Centerpiece to the production is Barbara Mullen, who is not only directing the show but was also instrumental in reeling in the New York talent. She also recruited the boy who is set to play the lead role of the Nutcracker Prince: 15-year-old Connor Bermingham of Windham.

Bermingham was

According to Bermingham, he has been training just over two months for the role. He said that the role of Clara, which serves as the other lead, will be played by a different girl each night since it is performed by a younger dancer.

Laurel Armes of Goffstown will assume the responsibility one night, while Nicole Jastrem of Derry will take it the next.

According to a press release from Mullen and NEDE representative Donna Bramente InDelicato, seven New York professionals will perform in the annual production.

"The production highlights NEDE Director Barbara Mullen's long-time working relationships with international dance companies," the release said. "The results are a win for north-of-Boston patrons, NEDE's dancers-in-training, and dance art development in Southern N.H."

Some of the professionals are returning to Windham. Jared Matthews and Yuriko Kajiya have been in the performance for the last two years. The pair will take the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. Matthews hails from Houston, Texas while Kajiya was born in Nagoya, Japan.

Kate Mullen of Manchester, N.H. is also returning to the Windham performance alongside Robb Russ.

ABT Master and teacher Clinton Lucket is also coming to Windham with a hefty resume under his belt. The Kentucky native has studied in Canada and performed with ABT for 10 years. He will play the role of Drosselmeyer.

Colleen Aherne, who will play the role of the Dew Drop Fairy, joins Mullen as a professional who started local. The Londonderry, N.H. native has been dancing since she was a 7-year-old at the Londonderry Dance Academy. She is currently performing professionally with NYC's "Synthesis Dance Project."

Colorado native Sterling Baca, who is just 18 years old, rounds out the professionals. He will assume the roles of Snow King and Arabian.

According to the release, the shows have sold out over the last two years. There are limited seats available for this year's shows, and tickets can be purchased here.

The show is set to feature a cast of 100 dancers.