Maine State Ballet's Sugar Plum is in Fine Form at Merrill Auditorium

Janet Davis, Maine State Ballet principal dancer and ballet mistress, hasn't missed a Nutcracker season in 20 years. Last year, though, her artistic contribution was strictly behind-the-scenes, as she was just weeks away from the birth of her first child.

From tiny reindeer to principal roles, Davis has been a constant presence on the stage of Portland's Merrill Auditorium, and in recent years has delighted audiences with her technical virtuosity and quicksilver style. This year, she makes a triumphant return to the Nutcracker cast, reprising her rendition of the ballet's principal role, the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Returning to the stage following childbirth requires intense dedication, and Davis has met the challenge with her trademark determination. Balancing motherhood and artistic training with a ballerina's grace, she has regained and perhaps even surpassed her previous skill.

Over 200 company members and students from Maine State School for the Performing Arts will participate in one or more Nutcracker performances. This season marks the nationally acclaimed company's 20th anniversary since incorporation in 1982. With more than 200 performances throughout its history, Maine State Ballet's Nutcracker is the longest running production in the Portland area.

Maine State Ballet
Artistic Direction: Linda MacArthur Miele
Choreography: Linda MacArthur Miele, George Balanchine
Sets and Costumes: Gail Csoboth
Maine State Ballet Orchestra Conductor: Karla Kelley

2002 Nutcracker Performance Schedule
Saturday, November 30: 1:00, 7:00
Sunday, December 1: 1:00
Friday, December 6: 7:00
Saturday, December 7: 1:00, 7:00
Sunday, December 8: 1:00

Tickets
$10 - $35, available in at the Merrill Auditorium box office or call PortTix at 842-0800.
Order online at www.porttix.com or www.mainestateballet.org.