Dancenter North marks 20 years of 'Nutcracker'

Cheri Lindell says when she looks back at video of Dancenter North's first Nutcracker production, she almost cannot believe it is the same show.

Every year, the production has undergone changes. In 1989, there was no opening scene to the Kingdom of the Sweets, she recalls. There was no finale, either.

"It's changed in content, choreography, in costuming, in sets, in almost every way," said Lindell, the show's director and producer.

This year is extra special, and not just because of the new Christmas tree that will grow from about 6 feet to nearly 20 feet tall.

Dancenter North will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its holiday classic, "The Magic of the Nutcracker" starting this weekend.

Performances will be at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park Ave.

Four years ago, Dancenter North brought its holiday classic for the first time to another part of Lake County and allowed its dancers to stand on a professional, grander stage at the Genesee Theatre. This year, the Nutcracker will once again be performed there at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14.

More than 100 performers, many of whom live in Lake County, make up the cast. Playing the lead role as Clara this year is Annie Peterson of Lake Forest. The original Clara from the 1989 production, Nikki White-Lazzaretto will play an Arabian. She now teaches at Dancenter North.

Katlyn Craig of Grayslake will play the Snow Queen. She will dance with another Dancenter North instructor, Matthew Geiger, a former member of the American Ballet Theatre, the Hartford Ballet and Ballet Met who will play the Snow Prince.

Meghan Copland of Libertyville plays the Fairy of the Sweets, and Lauren Primrose of Libertyville plays the Beauty Rose.

The ballet also as in years past will feature professional guests artists, some who began their teaching at Dancenter North. Amy Brandt, a former student who now performs with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet, will join her fourth production dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Joffrey Ballet principal artist Michael Levine will play the Cavalier.

Lindell said professionals fly in from all over the world to join the production, and Dancenter North students are excited to get the chance to work with them.

"It's great to see how much care the professionals give to the students," she said.

What also remains constant are the families who come each year to continue their holiday tradition.

"As it has grown, it has become a favorite for many families. They have no connection to Dancenter North or to the dancers, but it has become a tradition for them," Lindell said.

For Libertyville High School performances, call (847) 367-7970, and for Genesee Theatre tickets, call (847) 406-3152 or visit ticketmaster.com.