Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater returns to The Palace Theatre December 5-8, 2002 to perform the holiday classic The Nutcracker

Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater returns to the Palace Theatre in Manchester, New Hampshire December 5th through the 8th performing The Nutcracker accompanied by the Palace Festival Orchestra. SNHDT's original adaptation of the familiar story performed to capacity crowds last year and was reviewed as “a fresh and entertaining production … that was sure-footed and solidly staged” by HippoPress. Artistic Director Patricia Lavoie and orchestra conductor Robert Babb are very excited to be collaborating this year and are honored to be back at the Palace Theatre. This show is surely one not to miss!

SNHDT is very excited to have Jeremy Collins as a guest artist this year, performing the role of Cavalier. Mr. Collins, a native of Northampton, MA, is a vastly talented and experienced professional artist. At the age of 17, he was invited by world-famous Mikhail Baryshnikov to join American Ballet Theater where he attained the highest rank of principal dancer by age 25. He has also been a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet and a guest artist with New York City Ballet. He has several film, television, and college teaching credits. He has performed in many classical ballets as well as works by famous choreographers George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Jerome Robbins, and Mark Morris. Mr. Collins will add a new dimension and vitality to SHNDT’s traditional production of The Nutcracker.

Jeremy Collins is also a wonderful compliment to SNHDT’s very talented local dancers from communities including Amherst, Bedford, Chester, Hollis, Litchfield, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pembroke, and Pepperell, MA. SNHDT has established a reputation of offering high-caliber professional quality performances throughout the state. Aimee LaRiccia (Milford) and Kiernan Herzog (Amherst) will dance the beloved lead role of Clara this year. Both are budding young dancers with lots of energy on the stage. Partnering the girls as the Nutcracker Prince, Jay Von Handorf (Amherst) brings theatrical experience and presence to the role. Sallie Werst (Merrimack) and Amy Von Handorf (Amherst) will be performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Both of these ladies add their own vibrant personality to this honored and revered role.

SNHDT promises vibrant holiday entertainment for the whole family. Look this year for gorgeous new costumes designed by local seamstress Freda Bromberg for Waltz of the Flowers and Uncle Drosselmeyer. A prop cannon is also being added to the Battle Scene for heightened drama. Douglas Davis returns with his memorable portrayal of Uncle Drosselmeyer. Also returning to this year’s performance are Benjamin Briones and Richard Yé along with new guest Justin Bates. These New York City dancers bring rich performing experience and excitement to the Act II Variations. Mr. Yé was simply electric last year as the lead in Candy Canes and Mr. Briones offered superb partnering skills in the sensual Arabian pas de deux.