A magical holiday classic

With 13 performances, and a cast of 140 dancers, "The Nutcracker" is the largest production mounted by Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts -- and its biggest draw.

This year, dancers come from 30 communities and represent 25 different studios in the holiday show presented by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble.

The 10 public performances open at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and run through Dec. 9. Another three shows play to local schools.

And yet, even Prairie Center officials were stumped when they learned of a first: a set of twins had landed the principal roles of Clara and Hans, the nutcracker who becomes a prince.

Jonathan and Kailyn Olk, 12, of Mundelein share the roles with Raechel Sparreo of Buffalo Grove and Connor McCall of Palatine.

"This is the first time it's ever happened," says Camille Baranchik, who directs the production with Michele Holzman.

Kailyn Olk makes her third appearance in the show, after dancing in the opening "party scene" the first two years. Her brother debuts in "The Nutcracker" after playing one of the of lost boys in last spring's "Peter Pan" at the Prairie Center.

"This is the first year I tried out," Jonathan says. "For me, it's mostly acting and walking around."

His sister, by contrast, landed the role of her dreams, she says, and one she has strived for ever since she saw the first poster of "The Nutcracker" and of the little girl surrounded by the toy soldiers.

"It's really exciting," Kailyn says. "Ever since I saw that poster, I've kept practicing until I could get the part."

Dancing in the show is a dream come true for many of the young dancers, who start out playing little mice, flowers and party girls. All share the stage with guest artists dancing in the principal parts.

Guest artists include Autumn Eckman, a member of the Hubbard Street Dance Theater, in the role of the Waltz Queen; Cervilio Amador, a senior soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet, as the Cavalier; and Gema Diaz of the Kentucky Ballet Theatre, dancing the role of the Sugar Plum.

Prairie Center officials describe their production of "The Nutcracker" as featuring elaborate costumes and set designs. But what makes it truly unique, they add, is the role of a narrator to help audience members follow along.

"It's family-friendly," says Rob Pileckis, Prairie Center production supervisor, "especially in terms of younger audiences. With Drosselmeyer setting the stage, it helps kids connect with the story line."

Frank Getz, a professional actor who got his start performing in community theater in Schaumburg, returns for a fourth year to play the role of Drosselmeyer, Clara's godfather who presents her with the gift of a nutcracker for Christmas.

Regular patrons will notice some improvements this year, officials say. They include new choreography in some key scenes, including the battle scene, and new costumes for the Waltz of the Flowers, with fabric purchased in France.

"For local families, they're able to see the same thing companies downtown do," Baranchik says, "with casting guest artists as principals and bringing in local children for the ensemble scenes.

"This is a chance to see a professional production right in their own neighborhood, with affordable tickets, free parking and none of the traffic."

If you go

What: "The Nutcracker," presented by the Schaumburg Dance Ensemble

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7-8; 2 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9

Where: Schaumburg's Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg

Cost: $25 for adults and $18 for seniors and students

Call: (847) 895-3600 or visit www.prairiecenter.org