~ Arts & Entertainment ~

Dance Annex Presents “Nutcracker” at STAR Theatre

YORKThe Dance Annex kicks off the holiday season with “The Nutcracker” at Kittery’s Star Theatre. Artistic Director Julie Hebb and her company of dancers bring this classic holiday story to life for two weekends in November and December. Follow Clara on her magical journey to the Land of the Sweets in this spectacular production that is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Hebb, a former principal dancer of the New York Citybased Rebecca Kelly Ballet, founded the Dance Annex in 2012 with the aim to “foster sustained support for the dance arts,” and to build a community of dancers and dance enthusiasts. “The Nutcracker” was the studio’s first full-length classical production when it premiered in 2016, and has become an annual tradition for families throughout the seacoast. After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the studio returned to live performances in late 2021.

“We are so thrilled to be back at the Star for two weekends, and with two casts this year! It’s always exciting to grow, especially considering the challenges of the last few years,” said Hebb. “We are so fortunate to have an amazing group of dancers from right here on the Seacoast, and to also bring in our exceptional guest artists. Our students and youngest cast members are working so hard, and we can’t wait to share this special show with the community.”

Audiences can expect some exciting changes and casting opportunities this year. Ruth Whitney, currently with City Ballet of Boston, will return as the Sugar Plum Fairy November 25-27, alongside Boris Richir, formerly of the Boston Ballet. Guest artists Naomi Sawyer of Northeastern Ballet Theatre and Assaf Benchetrit, formerly of the Joffrey Ballet, will join the cast in these roles December 3-4. Local seventh-graders Amelia Gordon of Kittery and Willoughby

Staley of York will share the role of Clara. Ian Rodgers will return as the Nutcracker Prince, and Spotlight award-winner Don Goettler is the mysterious toymaker Drosselmeyer. Members of Annex Contemporary Dance Company – the studio’s resident troupe of professionals – will perform featured roles, along with Dance Annex alumni and students.

The Dance Annex invites all to begin their holiday season with “The Nutcracker” at the Star Theatre, 120 Rogers Road, Kittery. Performances are November 25-27, and December 3-4 with show times at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $33 for adults, $25 for seniors and children, and

Trailblazers Annual

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Followed at 4pm by a Beans

Casseroles Public Supper

FMI: Call/Text 207-651-3674 or 207-468-9747 available through the theatre box office at 207-439-3800 or www. kitterycommunitycenter.org/ star-theatre. For more information, visit www.thedanceannexstudio.com.