Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy Celebrates 29th Season of ‘The Nutcracker’ (VIDEO)

The Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy in Gaithersburg is celebrating its 29th season of the “The Nutcracker” here in Montgomery County.

“MBT is in its twenty-ninth annual season of the Nutcracker,” Paula Ross, executive director for the Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy, said. “We’re very excited to be back at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center here at Montgomery College in Rockville.  It’s a very exciting season.”

Children who are at last seven-years-old were able to audition for the show and according to Ross, everyone gets a role.

“We have 111 students from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre and Academy in the cast as well as our adult volunteers dancing in the party scene and our professionals this year,” she said.

And since part of MBT’s mission is to reach beyond their walls to bring arts to everyone in the community, show-onlookers may see some familiar faces since the role of Mother Ginger will be cast my various members of the community.

“It was an honor serving this year as a guest Mother Ginger for the Nutcracker,” said Tony Spearman-Leach, communications and development director, for Montgomery Community Media. “Nothing is more fun. I have never seen kids who put so much of their heart for three months, six days a year, into the art of dance.

Organizers attribute the show’s success over the years to the community.

“It never gets old because for many residents, it’s iconic and celebratory for the holiday season,” Ross said.

The full-length version of the show will run until Dec. 10.

Click here for a list of show times and to purchase tickets.

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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