Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Carlos Molina to Perform in The Nutcracker
Bedford, NH – Southern NH Dance Theater (SNHDT) is proud to announce the cast for the Palace Theatre’s annual production of the timeless classic, The Nutcracker to be performed Thanksgiving weekend in six performances Friday, November 27th through Sunday, November 29, 2009. The annual performance boasts a cast of talented guest artists including Carlos Molina, principal dancer with Boston Ballet, Lauren Stewart of Suzanne Farrell Ballet and many other talented dancers.
Carlos Molina, originally from Colombia, has been a principal dancer with Hartford Ballet and a soloist with American Ballet Theatre. In 2004, Molina joined Boston Ballet as a principal dancer. He will be partnering the Sugar Plum Fairy (Lauren Stewart and Elisabeth Wilson). “We are so thrilled to have Carlos Molina performing the role of Cavalier again this year,” stated Patricia Lavoie, artistic director for Southern NH Dance Theater. “The talent that Carlos brings along with the other amazing guest artists - including many alumni from our school and performing company - will certainly impress the audience,” added Lavoie.
Originally from Boston, Lauren Stewart received her early dance training at Southern NH Dance Theater. She is delighted to be invited back to perform with SNHDT again as the Sugar Plum Fairy. “We have an amazing talent with all the guest artists we have cast, but Lauren Stewart is the one we are most excited about – she is from Manchester and she is a truly exceptional and accomplished Ballerina,” added Lavoie. In 2004, while training at Ballet Academy East in New York City, Ms. Stewart was invited to perform with American Ballet Theater in Romeo and Juliet at the Kennedy Center. She has performed with both the Cincinnati Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet. This season, she is dancing with the prestigious Suzanne Farrell Ballet.
Bafana Solomon Matea is also a returning guest artist to this year’s Nutcracker cast. Originally from South Africa, he studied under scholarship at the Alvin Ailey Dance School in New York. He is currently with Battery Dance Company of New York City. He will be featured as Soldier Doll and Mouse King in Act 1, and as Candy Cane soloist and Arabian Soloist in Act 2.
Thomas Ortiz, another Southern NH Dance Theater alumni will perform a variety of roles including Soldier Doll, Mouse King and Spanish Variation. Ortiz graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BFA in Dance. He is currently working with Chet Walker at WalkerDance and preparing for a Joyce SoHo season with Kim Givilisco Dances. “Thomas’ engaging stage presence brings energy and excitement to every scene he is in,” stated Lavoie.
Fredrick Davis, a newcomer to the Palace Theatre stage, will perform the roles of Snow King and Arabian Soloist. Mr. Davis is a current member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble in New York. He has danced with North Star Ballet in Alaska and Albany Berkshire Ballet in Massachusetts. Southern NH Dance Theater will have several Artists in Residence return to the production. Douglas Davis, will dance the role of Drosselmeyer in Act I. Mr. Davis has danced in both the United States and Europe with the Los Angeles Ballet, the Frankfurt Ballet, Zurich Ballet and Bern Ballet. Sallie Werst has danced with Bossov Ballet Theater, Vermont Chamber Ballet and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. She also studied in New York City at Ballet Academy East with Darla Hoover and several renowned choreographers. Sallie Werst will perform the roles of Spanish and Arabian Soloist and Melissa Desrosiers will return as the Grandmother in party scene.
“Southern NH Dance Theater has a reputation for offering high-caliber professional performances and this year’s production of The Nutcracker is a time-honored tradition that you won’t want to miss,” stated Peter Ramsey, executive director of the Palace Theatre. “Add that to the power and intensity of a live orchestra like The Palace Festival Orchestra conducted by Robert Babb and you have an evening that you and your family will remember for many years to come,” added Ramsey. Don’t miss Southern NH Dance Theater’s performance as Clara’s dream comes to life on-stage in the historic Palace Theatre in downtown Manchester. The Nutcracker will be performed:
Friday, November 27th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 28th at 11 AM, 4 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 29th at 1 PM & 4 PM
For ticket information call the Palace Theatre Box Office at 603.668.5588 or visit www.palacetheatre.org. Call for your tickets today!
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