Wellesley HS student to dance as Clara in The Nutcracker

Wellesley High School junior Ashley Watts will perform in the role of Clara in the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s 29th annual production of The Nutcracker. Ashley auditioned in September and earned the performance opportunity of a lifetime to join the professional cast at The Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston’s historic Theatre District (Nov.25 – Dec.4) and The Strand Theatre in Dorchester (Dec.9 – 18). Both theaters provide the perfect venue for a recently refreshed version of Mateo’s production of the holiday classic featuring wondrous sets and costumes by noted scenic designer Laura C. McPherson.

The Claras: from left to right: Olivia Hynes, 15, of Saugus; Ashley Watts, 17, of Wellesley; Amy Chan, 16, of Cambridge; Cecilia Zevallos, 17, of Somerville; and Samin Charepoo, 17, of Quincy . Ashley will dance as Clara November 26 and December 3 at 7; December 10 and 17 at 2pm. — The Claras: from left to right: Olivia Hynes, 15, of Saugus; Ashley Watts, 17, of Wellesley; Amy Chan, 16, of Cambridge; Cecilia Zevallos, 17, of Somerville; and Samin Charepoo, 17, of Quincy .
Ashley will dance as Clara November 26 and December 3 at 7; December 10 and 17 at 2pm.

Choreographed by Artistic Director José Mateo, and inspired by Tchaikovsky’s glorious score, Mateo’s Nutcracker brings Clara’s dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. Over 200 children, ages 6-18 from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, join Ballet Theatre’s skilled company dancers for 23 performances as Clara, Party Children, Mice, Soldiers, Polichinelles, Cherubs, and Angels. It is the only professional Nutcracker production in the area to hold open auditions for students outside of its own school.

Tickets for both theaters are $75, $52, $40, $20 and can be purchased through on-line for The Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston or by phone at (617) 824-8000; or The Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester or by phone at (617) 354-7467.