Dance Divas Nutcracker Leaps With Dance Moms Alumni

Genevieve Rafter Keddy

December 17, 2017

The set

The World Premiere musical, Dance Divas Nutcracker, is running through December 17th at Theatre Row on 42nd Street. Dance Divas Nutcracker is based on the New York Times best-selling author Sheryl Berk’s popular book series, Dance Divas, the musical follows a group of passionate young dancers in pursuit of their dreams.

Elliana Walmsley and Clara Young

When a famous ballet academy is looking for ballerinas to star in their annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, Scarlett thinks she will be a shoe-in for the lead role of Clara. But it’s actually her little sister Gracie, with her big smile and bubbly energy, that catches the director’s eye. The dancers learn that teamwork and friendship can get you through anything, along with a little holiday magic!

Emily Susanne Franklin

Leading the cast is 10-year-old Elliana Walmsley in the role of Gracie. Elliana can currently be seen on Lifetime’s hit TV show, “Dance Moms.” The young dancer made a name for herself when she won the title of ‘Miss Petite Dance America’ in 2015. Elliana has also won numerous scholarships and awards for both regional and national dance competitions.

Elliana Walmsley, Clara Young, Devin Trey Campbell, Cassidy Hagel, Raquel Wallace, Brooke Cheek, Jada Lynn Manaloto, Jack Richman Henry Berry, Drew Margolis, Angelina Sporek, Charlotte Wesson, Mia Ganapolsky, Genevieve Godlessly, Athena Psihudakis, Gracie Silva, Heidi Nicholls, Jayla Lavender Nicholas and Isabella Preston

Additional principal cast members include Clara Young (The Grinch, Oscar nominated short, My Life as a Zucchini) as Scarlett, Cassidy Hagel (Matilda, Billy Elliot) as Liberty, Devin Trey Campbell (Kinky Boots) as Olivier, Raquel Wallace (Justin Bieber’s Purpose World Tour) as Rocky, Brooke Cheek as Anya, Jada Manaloto as Bria, and Jack Richman(Peace, Love and Cupcakes) as Hayden.

The production is directed and produced by Laura Luc. The creative team includes book by Sheryl Berk, music by Rachel Griffin and lyrics by Danielle Trzcinski.