‘Nutcracker’ heralds start of holiday season

For some DuPage County residents, it’s not Christmas until they’ve seen Midwest Theatre Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

In its 19th year, the not-for-profit Downers Grove company is preparing for yet another run of dancing mice and sweets.

“Many people say ‘This is how I start my holiday season and then I’m ready to think ahead for Christmas,’” said Mim Eichmann, artistic director and choreographer for Midwest Ballet Theater. “We’re the first thing on their to-do list.”

Performances are at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove.

Guest artists this year will be April Daly and Mauro Villanueva, both principal dancers with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, along with Matthew Geiger, former American Ballet Theatre II dancer.

There’s pressure to put on a good “Nutcracker,” Eichmann said. There’s a public to impress, and like a movie, if it’s not good, everybody’s going to hear about it.

“We have to maintain that integrity every time we’re on stage or it’s going to impact future productions,” Eichmann said. “We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve managed to do that.”

Roni Plys, 17, of Downers Grove, has performed the show the past seven years, and she plays the Snow Queen among other roles.

“It looks every bit as good as it did the last seven years,” Plys said.

It’s Plys’ final “Nutcracker” before trying out a professional career next year.

“I feel like we try to keep the classic quality to it. Some ballets cut out scenes or add scenes, but we like to stick to the original,” she said. “I feel like the choreography is still a bit different, but we have our own type of flair.”

Tickets are $14 to $16 and are available at midwestballet.org. For details, call (630) 971-9751.