Von Heidecke Festival Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker' Dec. 16-18

Internationally renowned choreographer, Kenneth von Heidecke, teams up with New Philharmonic and Music Director/Conductor Kirk Muspratt to present

Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet production of “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., in Glen Ellyn.

Tchaikovsky's timeless classic includes accompaniment by New Philharmonic, under the direction of Conductor Kirk Muspratt.

Kenneth von Heidecke began his career as a dancer at some of the most eminent dance companies in the world, including Maria Tallchief's Chicago City Ballet and performed as a guest soloist with many companies throughout Europe and the United States.

He was chosen by Tallchief to appear in the world première of George Balanchine's “Orfeo ed Euridice.” After his debut, he turned to the choreography side of the performing arts and established his company in 1990.

“This exciting production of ‘The Nutcracker' is truly a holiday classic with a spectacular cast and skillful choreography that's both entertaining and intelligent,” Von Heidecke said of this year's production.

Tickets to “The Nutcracker” are $37 for adults, $35 for seniors and $27 for College of DuPage students and youth.

For more information, call the MAC Ticket Office at (630) 942-4000, or visit: www.atthemac.org.