Greenwich Ballet Students Cast in 'The Nutcracker'

Connecticut Ballet's production of The Nutcracker at Stamford Center for the Arts returns Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14-15 and 21-22 in downtown Stamford.

All four performances are 2 p.m. matinees. The annual staging includes 100 local children chosen by audition in addition to the professional dancers and international guest stars.

Pictured above are Greenwich cast members (front row, from left): Josefina Balaguer, Federica Balaguer, (second row, from left): Liza Saggese, Amelya Tejada, Nima Gupta, Amalie Harpoth, Angelica Cilio, Magdalena Balaguer, (third row, left to right): Layla Rodriguez, Grace Kaleta, Malena Schraa, Alexis Killeen, and (back row, from left): Guadalupe Balaguar, Nicole Alexandre, Victoria Romero, Caroline Webb, Lillian Johnson, Emily Graffeo, Anna Saggese, Calista Wulff, Uma Pendkar, Lily Osgan, Vivian Buddy, and Maggie Jacoby.

Brett Raphael's acclaimed production features guest stars Julie Kent, Veronika Part, Alexandre Hammoudi, and Jared Matthews, all members of American Ballet Theatre. Called a 'feast for the eyes,' the staging includes a spectacular Xmas tree, magical falling snow, sumptuous costumes, and gorgeous dancing by Connecticut Ballet's corps de ballet.

For ticket information, visit www.scalive.org or call 203-325-4466. Local restaurants have agreed to provide 10-20% lunch or dinner discounts for all ticket holders. For info, visit www.connecticutballet.com.