Philadelphia Dance Theatre’s  beloved production of “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” will be performed at the Montco Cultural Center Theatre located in the Science Center Building on Montgomery County Community College’s Blue Bell Campus, 1313 Morris Road.

Philadelphia Dance Theatre’s signature presentation for 25 holidays of “The Nutcracker” with in-person performances on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. In addition to the run of full-length performances, a special abbreviated sensory friendly performance will be held on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.  Tickets range from $12-$62. Visit www.mc3.edu/tickets or email BoxOffice@mc3.edu. Parking is free.

With a cast of 100 professional and pre-professional dancers. The family-oriented performances provide the perfect opportunities for families to spend valuable time together and create cherished holiday memories.

The performances will highlight choreography by Artistic Director Joy Delaney-Capponi, backdrops designed by Christopher Fox, and costumes by Joan Fox and Gina Shifferly.

“A Philadelphia Nutcracker” is set in the local village of Victorian Germantown. Act I’s party scenery is a rendering of  the local drawing room in the Thomas Mansion, also known as “Clifford Park,” was built c. 1869 on a hill overlooking Wissahickon forest by George Clifford Thomas. The Snow Scene is set on Tommy's Hill” a local favorite sledding spot with the familiar landscape of Fairmount Park. As Clara travels through the forest deeper into her dream, Act 2 features the candy-paved streets of Chestnut Hill, where local shops and purveyors offer treats from around the world.

A sellout every year, this magical tale of Clara, the Nutcracker and the Mouse King will feature the same choreography that delights audiences each year. As part of PDT’s 25th season celebration, guest artists include PDT Alumni, Laura Gruener who will be featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Following her training with PDT, Laura went on to dance professionally with Texas Ballet Theatre, and most recently, as an ensemble dancer with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Bishop Kaschock-Marenda will be featured as Cavalier. After PDT, Bishop completed his B.F.A. at New York University and is currently dancing with Baltimore Ballet. 

This year’s performances of “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” will showcase two different casts featuring the talented Artists of Philadelphia Dance Theatre. Local dancers will perform the title roles of “Clara,” Eden Kollnesher of Ambler, Maron Felliciani of Flourtown, and Elise Lee of Chestnut Hill. 

More About Sensory Friendly 

This abbreviated performance will provide a relaxed, shush-free, and shame-free environment for audience members of all ages and abilities to experience this magical holiday tradition in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. 

Sensory Friendly Performances are designed to create a welcoming performing arts experience for people with autism, sensory input disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, and their families, friends, and caretakers. 

Philadelphia Dance Theatre and the Montco Cultural Center  have made special accommodations to the performance and theater-going experience to make neurodiverse audiences feel welcome to enjoy “A Philadelphia Nutcracker” in a lighthearted, accepting environment.

What makes this performance sensory friendly?

• Audience members are invited to come to the performance and be themselves! Expectations for audience etiquette at this performance will be relaxed; talking or vocalizing is welcome, and patrons can move freely in their seats and the aisles during the performance, within appropriate safety parameters.
• House lights will remain on at a low level throughout the entirety of the performance.
• Some loud sounds and startling moments are modified for this performance.
• Fidget objects, and other sensory tools or devices are allowed inside the theater during the performance. Audience members can also feel free to bring their own comfort items with them into the theater.
• Entering and exiting the theater is allowed throughout the performance. Designated quiet 
• spaces will be available for audience members who may need to take a break from the performance.
• Family restrooms
• Audience members will have access to social stories and resource materials to help prepare for the Nutcracker experience before the performance. 
• Wheelchair-accessible seating options