Audiences Journey Through Clara's Dream in ADTLI's Production of The Nutcracker

Snow fell from the ceiling and mice ran up the aisles at The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts this past weekend for  production of "Clara's Dream: The Nutcracker."  It was the dance organization's tenth anniversary performing this classic Christmastime ballet with traditional score by Tchaikovsky.

" was a professional-level production similar to those performed by dance companies in New York City.  The sets, props and costumes added to the overall quality of the show and truly allowed the audience to venture into Clara's world.  The ballet featured all the classic elements of the Nutcracker story – Clara, the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairies and a Snow Queen.

This season, ADTLI performed "Clara's Dream," fives times, including a show for local schools last Friday morning. Happy Home Child Care of Bohemia comes every year with a group of their pre-school students.  Sharon Boyle said, "Our children really enjoy coming to the show.  Their performance is kid friendly and they were in awe of the production."

This stellar performance does not come without hard work on the part of all involved. Auditions for the ballet are held each June and rehearsals start in September.  Many long hours are put in by the nearly 100 performers in this production. Parents of the dancers often often play small parts in the show, sew costumes, paint sets and serve as stage crew. Also, ADTLI alumni return every year to dance in the show.  All of this under the direction of Kathleen Kairns-Scholz, the artistic director and choreographer, makes for a truly magnificent performance of "Clara's Dream The Nutcracker."

Kairns-Scholz, a former professional ballerina who has performed The Nutcracker since she was a child, said "It is a big production doing this show, which could not happen without the help of our students, parents and volunteers."  Her students benefit from her experience and knowledge to learn what it takes to put on a professional show.  Any student that tries out for the Nutcracker always gets a part in the show.

Meghan Courtois, a tenth grader at , played the Snow Queen and Spanish Lead in two of the shows. Courtois has performed in "Clara's Dream" with ADTLI since she was five-years-old and hopes to someday dance professionally.  Courtois said, "The entire cast pulled together and worked so hard to make this year's Nutcracker so special."

One of the Spanish Dancers, Olivia Minogue, was happy with the performances, "I think all the dancers were amazing and we all put so much effort into it," she said.

Erin Ritchie played Clara in two of the five shows. Prior to her performance, she emphasized her love of the production, "I am excited to be Clara and my favorite part is the dream scene," she said.

It was Blue Point resident Carolyn Karl's first time seeing ADTLI's show, "It was the perfect start to the Christmas season.  Both children and adults were enthralled with the spectacular performance," she said.

When the toy soldiers were battling the mice, seven-year-old Zachary said, "The cheese shooting out of the cannon was cool."  With each shot of the cannon there was a loud boom and the light flickered in the theater.

ADTLI is a not-for-profit corporation that is now accepting essays from students about why they would like to be a part of the show next year.  The winner of the essay contest will receive a scholarship to the school and will be able to perform in 2011 "Clara's Dream: The Nutcracker" show.

A portion of Sunday's performance benefited the Asperger Syndrome and High Functions Autism Association in Bethpage.