Fresh faces, new changes to ‘Nutcracker’

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The 12th annual performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Malibu Civic Ballet & Malibu Academy of Dance features new choreography, costumes and a new director.

The 12th annual performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Malibu Civic Malibu & Malibu Academy of Dance at Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre this weekend comes with fresh faces and new choreography.

Long choreographed by JoAnna Jarvis, who retired last year after 23 years of teaching, this year’s ballet is directed by Jennifer Kelbe of the Boston Ballet.

Steve Chase, co-owner of the dance studio, said, “There’s quite a few changes … new costumes, new choreography … it’s the same music, but there’s lots of new changes.”

Kelbe choreographed the bulk of this year’s performance; however, Jarvis came out of retirement to choreograph the Flowers scene, and studio teachers collaborated on some dance scenes as well. Adriana Fernandes choreographed the Spanish dance, Diane Linder the Arabian dance and Brigid Boden choreographed the Mother Ginger Children dance scene.

Chase said other changes are new costumes and a larger cast.

The part of Clara will be performed by Athena Denos, and the Prince is to be performed by Adrienne Mitchell. Matt Jons and Kelly Ann Sloan of the Los Angeles Ballet company perform as Cavalier and the Sugar Plum Fairy respectively.

Nearly 100 dancers auditioned for parts in this year’s “The Nutcracker.”

Kelbe said, “We were thrilled with the number of talented children that auditioned for this year’s ‘Nutcracker.’ With all of the Malibu residents cast in this Nutcracker, this is truly a Malibu community production.”

Tickets are available at the Smothers Theatre box office on the campus of Pepperdine University. Performances take place Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec 16, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children 15 and under. More information can be obtained by calling 310.506.4522.