The Nutcracker

 
 

Mongan Dance Academy's

8th Annual Presentation of

The Nutcracker
 
Sunday, December 8, 2024
2:30 p.m.
 
Oak Lawn Community High School
Performing Arts Center
9400 Southwest Highway, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
ONLINE TICKET SALES 
open October 6
$18 advance  |  $25 at door
2024 NUTCRACKER PROGRAM
 
Select a link to view the 2024 Nutcracker program: 
the original format on 2 pages, 4.5 x 11
a combined format on 1 page w/ columns, 8.5 x 11

Take Home Notes for Performance Day

 

Please email us if you would like to volunteer to be a backstage or class helper during the show, or assistant in the lobby before the show begins.

The 2024 program will be viewable online when it is ready.
2024 Nutcracker Participation Form

2024 Nutcracker Participation Information Sheet

Please return participation form ASAP.
Participatioin fees are due October 5, 2024.
Fees include participation, costume rental, free shirt. (Shirt order form will be sent home in coming days.)
 
Auditions will be held on 

*Monday, September 16, 2024 |  5:30-6:30 pm

AND/OR

*Wednesday, September 18, 2024  |  6:30-7:30 pm

(*Students are encouraged to attend both audition times, but it is not required.)

 

 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be enrolled in an upper level 1, 2, 3 or 4 class. Some ballet experience required.
  • Must be enrolled in BOTH the Fall and Winter Sessions.
  • Must be available for assigned rehearsal dates that are determined after auditions according to specific dates of absence reported by you. 
  • Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Please expect two to four rehearsals per small group, character role or solo. Rehearsals will also be run during class times.
  • Be dressed in full ballet attire, and arrive early enough to check in at the front desk. 
 
Students who have special roles or small group dances are reqiured to attend rehearsals.
Schedule will be posted after auditions are held and dance roles are announced.

The Nutcracker Story

The Nutcracker, a classic Christmas story presented in two acts, is a fairy tale ballet centered on the Stahlbaum's Christmas Eve celebration. Family and friends have gathered in the parlor to decorate the beautiful Christmas tree in preparation for the party. Once the tree is finished, the children are sent for. They stand in awe of the tree sparkling with candles and decorations. Drosselmeyer, a local toymaker and magician who is also the Godfather to the Stahlbaum children, delights all of the children with gifts, magic, and a story. Clara receives a special Nutcracker, which is broken by her jelous brother, Fritz. After the guests have all left, Clara falls asleep by the Christmas tree with her beloved Nutcracker. Magically, The Nutcracker comes to life in her dreams. Clara watches The Nutcracker, along with his soldiers, battle the Mouse King and mice. Nearly defeated, Clara saves The Nutcracker by throwing her slipper at the Mouse King. The Nutcracker is transformed into a prince, then leads Clara through the moonlit night to a pine forest. Snowflakes dance around them, beckoning them on to The Prince's kingdom as the first act ends.  

In Act II, Clara and The Prince travel to the beautiful Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. They are presentd with a celebration of sweets from around the world — chocolate, coffee, tea, and candy canes. Beautiful flowers perform a waltz. To conclude the night, the Sugar Plum Fairy performs a delightful dance before The Prince bows to Clara and kisses her goodnight.

The Cast and Elligibility

The Nutcracker has always been presented by Mongan Dance Academy's ballet students in Pre-Ballet 3 and Ballet 1, 2, 3 and 4. This year we're mixing it up! While the special character roles, such as Clara, Nutcracker, Drosselmeyer, Sugar Plum Fairy and more, will continue to be assigned to ballet students, all students in our modern, jazz, tap, pre-jazz/hip hop, and contemporary minis will performi in a class dance! We're excited to be drawn into this beloved, dreamy holiday production with new characters and new dance genres!

Selection for Special Roles

Lead roles and small group dancers will be selected by MDA's Program Director as follows:

  • We will observe students during regular classes to select lead roles and small group dancers. Dancers should be experienced, hard working, and demonstrate keen performance abilities. We want skilled dancers with strong stage presence to play special roles, such as Clara, Nutcracker, Drosselmeyer, Sugar Plum Fairy and more. 
  • Much of the show will be performed in a series of class dances and solos or small group dances in order to limit overcrowding on stage.

Requirements for Special Roles:

  • Must be in an upper level class with some ballet experience.
  • Must be enrolled in both the Fall and Winter Sessions and paid in full by November 2, else an installment plan and card be on file.
  • Must be available for select Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Friday evening rehearsals. Each role and small group will have specific rehearsal dates. These students should expect at least two rehearsals beginning late September until the show. Rehearsals will run from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Rehearsal dates and times will be determined and assigned upon acceptance of roles.

Participation Fees

There is a $75 participation fee per student, which includes participation expenses, a commemorative t-shirt, and rental of costumes. An additional $20 fee per studfent per each extra class, and $50 ffor small group dance/solo for choreography, extra rehearsals, and rental of costumes.

Students are required to provide their own pink tights and class leotard.

If the 2024 Nutcracker Participation Form has not been returned, payment of the participation fees acklowledges your understanding and acceptance of the following:

  • Your child is required to be enrolled in BOTH the Fall Session and Winter Session. Fees are due by November 2, 2024.
  • Your child will be available Sunday, December 8, 2024 for rehearsal and performance.
  • Participation fees are non-refundable. 

Make payments at: www.mongandance.com

Souvenir Shirts or Sweatshirt

Our artwork is a traditional Nutcracker housed in a commemorative snowglobe wrapped in the warmth of holiday sprigs. It depicts the quietude of a perfect life, quiet, picturesque, and idyllic. But then, something shakes us up. What we once thought was clear becomes illuminuted with dreams of new paths, visions of broader perspectives, and the wonderment of possibilities that exceed the stars in the skies.

The names of all cast members will be printed on the back of the shirts. Each participant will receive a complimentary shirt as a part of their participation fees. Students can upgrade their shirts to a sweatshirt or hoodie for an additional fee. 

For correct sizing, please order shirts/sweatshirt online. If an online order is not received for your child, MDA staff will estimate the size. Refunds/credits/exchanges will NOT be given for sizing concerns. 

Short-sleeved t-shirts are unisex Gildan, DryBlend 50/50 cotton/poly.

  • No charge for students
  • $XX for additional t-shirts

Crew sweatshirts are unisex Gildan, heavy blend crewneck

  • $XX upgrade for students (student will not receive a t-shirt when upgrading)
  • $XX for each additional sweatshirt

Ticket Sales

  • Ticket Pre-Sales for reserved seating for participants will begin on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
  • Each student is allowed an unlimited number of tickets for purchase. 
  • Tickets can be ordered online or at the studio. Tickets must be paid in full at the time of purchase.
  • Cost of Tickets: $18 in advance and $23 at the door
  • Tickets will be distributed to students before Thanksgiving.
  • All seats are reserved. All sales are final. No refunds.

 

OUR PAST NUTCRACKER THEMES