Clara and the Nutcracker

Clara and the Nutcracker is a unique production for the young and the young at heart and incorporates the perfect blend of young talent combined with professional talent from all over.
With the holiday spirit upon us, children from Connecticut Dance Theatre will be joined by other young talent from Reach for the Stars Academy of Dance in Terryville, Miss Mel’s Dance Zone in Torrington, and professional artist from Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford, and the list continues to grow. Ms. Zoie Green, from Thomaston will perform the role of “Clara.”  This is a special community collaboration of the holiday classic held in the historic Thomaston Opera House main stage.
On Friday Dec. 21, 2018, “Clara and the Nutcracker” a special performance will be narrated in Spanish by Community Leader Migdalia Luciano.  Ms. Luciano’s parents were born and raised in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico and she herself was born in Waterbury, CT.  Ms. Luciano is an accomplished singer and fluent in Spanish. She has performed at the Palace Theatre and for Connecticut Dance Theatre in the past.  Ms. Luciano has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Service (Cum Laude) with a certificate in Criminal Justice.    She has worked extensively focusing on children, youth of various ages with special needs, behavior management, social skills and crisis intervention.  She has utilized her bilingual skills and developed many programs for nonprofit and leadership teams, catering for those who have barriers in communicating.
Joining the performance team this year is Mari Gabriela Perez from San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Ms. Perez began her training with Lourdes Orteaga and Maria Carrera at Andanza. She also danced with Ballet Concierto de Puerto Rico, Mauro Ballet and spent summers dancing at Ballet Nacional in Cuba. Recently Ms. Perez has joined the New York Dance Project.  Ms. Perez will perform the Sugar Plum Fairy in CDT’ production and will be partnered with Steven Scarduzio as the Cavalier.  Mr. Scarduzio was born in Malibu, CA and trained at the Joffrey Ballet School where is performed the Cavalier in Nutcracker. He is also a new member of New York Dance Project. This has been made possible by Nicole Duffy Robertson, Associate Artistic Director MA., of New York Dance Project.
Connecticut Dance Theatre, Inc. is a nonprofit organization. “Clara and the Nutcracker” raises funds for Senior Citizens programs and scholarships opportunities for those whom might otherwise not be able to experience the performing arts.  On Friday Dec. 21,  a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hurricane Maria Relief fund.   Performance Dates: Dec. 21, at 7:00p.m. and Dec. 22, at 2:00& 7:00.  In-school performance dates are Thursday Dec. 20^th at 10 am. & Dec. 21 Friday 10 am in Spanish.  Contact Donna Bonasera for more information at 860-417-6911 or www.LANDMARKCOMMUNITYTHEATRE.ORG. Event sponsorship provide by  Connecticut Community Foundation.