Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD) once again offers ballet fans its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, featuring a record 175 dancers—from four-year-olds to grandparents—supported by more than 100 volunteers. Performances, including an added fourth performance this year, are at Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago campus, 1131 E. 57th Street, Chicago.
Staged by HPSD Founding Artistic Director August Tye, ballet mistress and choreographer at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the 90-minute narrated production follows Clara, Fritz and the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer from the family holiday party and the battle with the Mouse Queen and her troops through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Each year, HPSD casts a Chicago VIP as the honorary Mother Ginger. This year, Hyde Park Bank President Mike McGarry is taking on the role. Past Mother Gingers have included Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Wallace Goode, 5th Ward Alderman Leslie Hairston, State Representative Kimberly DuBuclet, Ray Elementary School Principal Bernadette Butler and Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell.
Prior to the performances, the Pre-Ballet Holiday Show showcases 70 of HPSD’s youngest ballet students in performance. A Sugar Plum Tea featuring costumed characters from The Nutcracker and catered treats takes place after the December 14th matinee.
