Curtain rising on 'The Nutcracker' in Downers Grove
Even before people carve a turkey in thanks, the Sugar Plum fairy will be dancing across the stage in Downers Grove.
One of the area's first performances of "The Nutcracker," Midwest Ballet Theatre's production is ballet on a budget - but there's nothing generic about it, company members say.
"One of the charming things about our performance is they are children that are involved in this, obviously, but it is professional-quality production," said Mim Eichmann, artistic director and founder of Downers Grove-based Midwest Ballet. "Because of the large blanket of wonderful volunteer effort, we're able to really bring that at a very reasonable price, even though we ourselves have all the expenditures that any other not-for-profit has. We've been able to maintain that sense of outreach."
Indeed, since 1994 the pre-professional, not-for-profit company has emphasized classical music while performing Tchaikovsky's holiday classic.
Dancers perform again at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the 1,000-seat Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.
This year's performance, featuring dancers ranging in age from 8 to 18, unveils new costumes for the Arabian and Chinese dancers.
In addition, a new window frames the party scene.
"We did some refurbishing of our first act set, new windows in the party scene," Eichmann said. "It really makes a difference in framing the entire act one."
Besides "The Nutcracker," Midwest Ballet Theatre's 2009-2010 season includes performances of "Peter Pan" in March and the Year End Festival in May.
In any company, "The Nutcracker" remains the most popular performance of all, said professional dancer Arion Tanabe, 25, of Chicago, who will dance the part of the Snow King and as an Arabian dancer with Midwest Ballet this weekend.
"The Nutcracker is very much the bread and butter of every dance studio," Tanabe said. "So much time and energy gets focused on it no matter where you are."
People who might not typically attend a ballet performance are often drawn to "The Nutcracker."
And often, people who attend Midwest's Nutcracker return every year, Eichmann said.
"Part of what they enjoy is seeing kids move up through the ranks," she said. "Typically as students get older they're able to tackle more difficult dances."
The other part is tradition, said Jeff May, Midwest Ballet treasurer.
"We see a lot of people who come every year," he said. "I always enjoy seeing the moms and the little daughters. They get all dressed up. You can just see the enthusiasm."
To keep each year's performance fresh, Eichmann said she upgrades stage props as needed and often mixes and matches costumes to give a different look.
Eichmann expressed dismay that the organization's main source of funding - the Downers Grove Community Grants Committee - has cut the arts from its budget next year.
"A lot of us have been receiving money from them to keep our product sharp," she said. "Little by little, primarily with grants through the commission, we've replaced everything (over the years)."
Doors open at 12:45 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with general seating.
Ticket for Saturday's performance are $13 for adults, $12 for students and seniors and $11 children younger than 11; On Sunday, tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for students and seniors, $13 for children younger than 11.
Midwest Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is one of the most affordable, yet professional, productions to be seen in the Chicago area, May said.
"That's what our goal is," May said, "to really try to create a very enjoyable afternoon for our guests."
If you go
What: Midwest Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22
Where: Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove
Cost: $13 adults, $12 students and seniors, $11 children under 11 on Saturday; $15 adults, $14 students and seniors, $13 children under 11 on Sunday
Info: (630) 971-9751 or midwestballet.org