LOCAL YOUTHS IN `NUTCRACKER'

More than 35 local youngsters will be featured in the upcoming production of "The Nutcracker," scheduled for Dec. 10 at the Show Me Center.

The Tulsa Ballet Theatre has requested a cast of about 37 dancers, age 6-12, to perform as angels, mice, rabbits, clowns, soldiers and bakers.

All dancers will be students of the Academy of Dance Arts in Cape Girardeau, one of the sponsors of the show. Students are from Cape Girardeau, surrounding towns and Sikeston.

Auditions will be held Friday at 4 p.m. at the school, said Joanne Ruess, owner of the academy. Ruess said there are about 50 ballet students at the school. Final selections for "The Nutcracker" will be made early next week.

It is the first time the Show Me Center has hosted a ballet.

Ruess said the selected dancers will rehearse with the Tulsa Ballet for about three hours on the afternoon of the show. She said those selected must have a good stage presence and fit the costumes provided by the Tulsa Ballet.

Four of the academy's older students have already been selected to perform in the St. Louis production of "The Nutcracker," performed by the State Ballet of Missouri and accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Dec. 7-8.

The students are Tania Morris, Bethany Caplan, Sarah Semmler and Michelle Bennett.