Philadelphia Dance Theatre’s “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” Returns to the Montco Cultural Center Theater at Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA
Philadelphia Dance Theatre proudly announces the return of its beloved holiday classic, “A Philadelphia Nutcracker,” to the Montco Cultural Center Theater at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, PA. This year marks the 26th season of the company’s signature production, featuring five in-person performances and one special sensory-friendly presentation.
Performances will take place on
- Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m
- Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. (Sensory Friendly)
- Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.
With a cast of over 100 professional and pre-professional dancers, “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” offers a festive and family-friendly experience, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories. Choreographed by Artistic Director Joy Delaney-Capponi, the production features scenic backdrops byChristopher Fox and costumes by Joan Fox and Gina Shifferly. Set in the historic neighborhoods of Victorian Germantown and Chestnut Hill, this reimagined version of the holiday classic infuses local Philadelphia charm into each scene—from the elegant drawing rooms of the Thomas Mansion (“Clifford Park”) to the familiar slopes of Fairmount Park’s “Tommy’s Hill.”This season’s cast includes returning alumni Maggie Bucko, principal dancer with Hartford Ballet, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, joined by Daniel Cooke of Hartford Ballet as Cavalier. Floyd McClean of Philadanco performs as the Mouse King and Candy Cane soloist, and Charles Michael Patterson appears as Coffee and Snow King. Local dancers Rachel Koch (Ambler), Charlotte Rezelli (Philadelphia), and Ginger McIlvain (Philadelphia) will alternate in the role of Clara. “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” continues to sell out each year, enchanting audiences with its timeless story, dazzling choreography, and community spirit.
Tickets: $12–$62
Available at www.mc3.edu/tickets or by emailing BoxOffice@mc3.edu
More About Sensory Friendly Performance:
Sensory Friendly Performance
In addition to its full-length performances, Philadelphia Dance Theatre will present a special Sensory Friendly Performance on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m.
This abbreviated presentation offers a relaxed, shush-free, and shame-free environment for audience members of all ages and abilities to experience this magical holiday tradition in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive
performing arts experience for individuals with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental differences, and for their families, friends, and caregivers.
Philadelphia Dance Theatre and the Montco Cultural Center have made special accommodations to ensure that neurodiverse audience members feel welcome and supported.
What Makes This Performance Sensory Friendly:
● Audience members are encouraged to be themselves—talking, vocalizing, or moving about is
welcome.
● House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the performance.
● Some loud or startling moments have been modified for comfort.
● Fidget objects, sensory tools, and comfort items are welcome in the theater.
● Patrons may enter and exit freely as needed, with designated quiet spaces available for breaks.
● Family restrooms and wheelchair-accessible seating will be available.
● Social stories and preparation materials will be provided in advance to help audience members
get ready for the experience.
● An adaptive dance class will follow the performance where patrons are welcome to participate
to experience the joy of dance.
● Bedtime and Ballet is part of an offering to prepare patrons for the performance experience
Sunday prior to the show. Just learn a bit about ballet and the story of the Nutcracker on Zoom