The folks of greater Northampton are lucky again to be treated to another season of the Pioneer Valley Ballet’s Nutcracker! Thomas Vacanti and Maryanne Kodzis (with a little help from Lisa Baldyga) have been busy preparing this season’s performances at The Academy of Music, this year offering six shows Dec. 13-15. This season features Dave Rondina as Herr Silberhaus, with his real life daughter Clara as the lucky recipient of the magical doll. Thomas V. reprises the role of the half-crazy Drosselmeyer. The opening scene showcases the talents of two fine actors/dancers Megan Downey and Lisa Moscow, and the dancing of Anna Mansfield will give the company’s premiere dancer Charis Moeckel-Cole, some healthy competition! Charis this season will sparkle as the Dew Drop Fairy, while taking on the role of the Rat King, when she isn’t breaking hearts as one of the snowflakes. Again this year, The Carolina Ballet will provide the professional dancers Jan Burkhard as the Sugar Plumb Fairy and Richard Krusch as the Cavalier. Hope to see you there!

John Phillips Dennett

Westhampton