Boys wanted to audition for 'The Nutcracker'

Boys ages 10 to 18 are invited to audition for the Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet's 2015 production of "The Nutcracker."

Auditions begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Von Heidecke's Dance Center, 1239 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville. Boys should arrive 30 minutes prior to their age group's start time to register. Audition forms are available at chicagofestivalballet.com.

The Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet will present "The Nutcracker," choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke, at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet and in the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. The cast also will have the opportunity to go on tour this season to perform with the Danville Symphony Orchestra.

"Very few 'Nutcracker' productions, if any, tour out-of-state, but it's such a wonderful experience for the students," Von Heidecke said. "For example, when we took 'The Nutcracker' to Miami, Florida, we received a thunderous standing ovation, and Miami's mayor came on stage and presented me with the key to the city."

"The Nutcracker" performance dates are:

• 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet

• 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, with the Danville Symphony Orchestra, Danville

• 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, with the New Philharmonic Orchestra at McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

A protégé of legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta Maria Tallchief, Von Heidecke has choreographed works seen around the world. His production of "The Nutcracker" boasts internationally acclaimed principal dancers, spectacular scenery and costumes.

President Barack Obama's daughters appeared in this production of "The Nutcracker" at the Harris Theater in Chicago in 2007 when Obama was still a U.S. senator from Illinois. Gold medalist U.S. Olympic figure skater Evan Lysecek attended Von Heidecke's school, as well as Victoria Born of "Center Stage" and Joffery principal dancer Joanna Wozniak.

Audition registration is encouraged but not required. For information, call (630) 527-1052 or visit chicagofestivalballet.com.

If you go

What: "The Nutcracker" auditions for boys ages 10 to 18

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3

Where: Von Heidecke's Dance Center, 1239 S. Naper Blvd., Naperville

Info: (630) 527-1052 or chicagofestivalballet.com