- Mother Ginger, cupcakes and waltzing flowers are just some of the enchanting characters in Florida Arts & Dance Company's upcoming production of The Nutcracker. This holiday favorite around the world will be presented by FADC December 9th and 10th at 2 and 7 p. m. at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart.

Now in its thirteenth year of production at FADC, The Nutcracker follows a little girl on her journey to the Land of Sweets with the Nutcracker Prince. This year's featured soloists will be Angela Leone, an FADC student along with Barry Trammel, a former soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet and now the Director of the Vero Beach Classical Ballet. Students from the Florida Arts & Dance Company will also be performing.

FADC Director of Ballet, Loretta Miller has added a Soldier Doll, a Mouse Queen, Elves, a Gingerbread Man and jesters. A life-sized Gingerbread House has also been added. This presentation with the charming new characters, beautiful scenery and innovative costumes will delight the audience and bring to everyone a beautiful and traditional interpretation of the Nutcracker. "We are thrilled to offer this exciting presentation of The Nutcracker to the residents of Martin and St. Lucie Counties," Miller said.

In addition to the weekend performances, FADC will offer a special presentation to its sponsors and their guests on the evening of December 8 starting with a cocktail party from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at The Ashley Restaurant in downtown Stuart followed by the show. Sponsors donate generously to support FADC's many outreach programs for at risk and special needs children. Tickets for the party and performance are available to individuals at a cost of $75.00 by contacting the studio at 288-4150.

To purchase tickets for the weekend performances of FADC's The Nutcracker contact the Lyric Theater Box Office at (772) 286-7827. They are $20.00 to $25.00. Florida Arts & Dance Company is an IRS qualified 501 ( c ) 3 not for profit organization whose mission is to provide individuals with dance education, training and performing opportunities, thereby enhancing the cultural awareness of the community.