Community Corner

Downers Grove Residents Bring 'Nutcracker' Magic to the Stage

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences production of The Nutcracker runs most Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., with certain performances at 12:30 p.m., through Dec. 28.

When the cast of "The Nutcracker" takes the stage this holiday season during the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences production, two Downers Grove residents residents will be among them.

Holly Stauder stars as Lottie while Patrick Keefe understudies as The Nutcracker, in the musical twist on the classic tale for children of all ages, which runs through Dec. 28, at 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire.

Filled with magic, mystery and heartwarming numbers, this classic holiday musical will be directed and choreographed by Matt Raftery.

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Stauder, 40, has been acting professionally since she was in college, and holds a B.F.A. in theatre. Over the past 20 years, she has participated in about 15 Theatre for Young Audience productions in and around the Chicago area.

“I think seeing a live theatre production of a popular story is a great way for families to come together during the holidays or anytime really,” she said of The Nutcracker. “Teachers and parents can research the story before they see the performance and compare our version to the original story. Often, the story is told in a different way, allowing a younger audience to actively participate, use their imagination, and hopefully, offer a bit of education both about the story itself, but also seeing what a live, professional production is all about.”

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She hopes the show will spark discussions within families and school groups.

“And that kids have a chance to express their thoughts, likes and dislikes, etc., about what they saw onstage,” she said. “Also, we want them to keep coming back.”

Keefe, 26, has been studying theatre for 15 years, and holds a B.F.A. in musical theatre performance.

“I started as a young lad at a local school for performing arts as an extracurricular,” he said. “Then through high school as well as university. The Marriott has been gracious enough to give me months worth of work on amazing productions.”

He said the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences’ production of "The Nutcracker" incorporates all forms of live entertainment, including story, song, and dance.

“There is also no audience more honest or more gratifying in their reactions and energy than young adults,” he said. “If it's funny you know it. If you have lost them you know that too. The full Nutcracker ballet might be too much for say a 6-year-old to handle. But the Marriott’s production has just enough of everything to dazzle, spark and entertain our audiences.”

Stauder enjoys doing a holiday show during the holiday season.

“I enjoy the people with whom I work, the actors, the crew, and mostly, I enjoy doing children's theatre because I feel that as I said before, it is educational in many ways,” she said. “Just as in life, there are many "teaching," opportunities, and live theatre as opposed to a movie is another way to teach and perhaps instill a love or at least a respect for this art form. And at the end of the day, it is about having fun.”

The Nutcracker runs most Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call (847) 634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary.

Single ticket prices are $15 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling (847) 634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at (847)634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.


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