Taking the stage: Seven Lake students to perform in Canton Ballet’s 'The Nutcracker'

Seven Lake Local Schools students will take the stage this holiday season in the Canton Ballet’s full-length production of The Nutcracker at the historic Canton Palace Theatre, Dec. 5–7, 2025. The production coincides with a milestone 60th anniversary for the Canton Ballet, one of Ohio’s oldest and most respected arts institutions.

Generations of Stark Countians have cherished The Nutcracker, the beloved classic featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score performed live by the Canton Symphony Orchestra. The story’s familiar magic — its blend of fantasy, music and dance — has made it one of the region’s most treasured holiday traditions.

“Our first full-length Nutcracker premiered in 1968 to sold-out audiences at Timken High School,” said Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, executive artistic director of the Canton Ballet. “That production, created by co-founder Suanne Ferguson, has become a beloved tradition for over five decades — introducing generations of families to the wonder of live dance and orchestral music.”

This year’s production features 170 dancers from the School of Canton Ballet, ranging in age from 5 to 18, and representing more than 30 schools across Stark, Summit and neighboring counties. The cast also includes several adult community members and guest professionals.

From Lake Local Schools, the seven performers include: Paxton Stedman, 12th grade, as Clara; Giada Szekeres, 12th grade, as the Dew Drop Fairy; Lucy Deuble, 12th grade, as the Snow Queen; Kenzi Metzger, ninth grade (homeschooled); Maizie Phares and Taryn Quinnell, both third grade; and Beatrice Wallwork, second grade.

Catazaro Hayward said each year’s production feels like its own new creation. “The core company remains consistent, but the cast evolves annually as students advance through training,” she said. “Each Nutcracker becomes its own special moment in their artistic journey. We’re also excited to feature a few special guest artists this season.”

Those guest artists include New York City Ballet principal dancer and Cleveland native Emma Von Enck as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Canton Ballet alumnus Cameron Catazaro, now a principal soloist with Miami City Ballet, as her Cavalier. Former New York City Ballet principal Zachary Catazaro will appear as the Snow King and Arabian Prince.

Ten adult performers and guest professionals will join the students onstage, with live music provided by the Canton Symphony Orchestra and vocals by 80 singers from the Summit Choral Society’s youth choirs.

Among the youngest Lake participants is 7-year-old Beatrice Wallwork, a second grader at Lake Elementary. Her mother, Mandy, said Beatrice’s journey with the Canton Ballet began when she attended a Nutcracker-themed summer camp at age 4.

“She loved it so much we enrolled her in classes that fall,” Mandy said. “She’s been dancing ever since. To walk out on that stage is a big deal, especially for a small child. The Canton Ballet teachers do a phenomenal job preparing kids for the stage.”

Mandy said ballet has taught her daughter confidence, discipline and focus. “Ballet is a wonderful blend of athleticism and art,” she said. “What we love most about the Canton Ballet is that it’s a nonprofit that has served the Stark County community for 60 years. Being around that long speaks volumes to the type of school they run. We’re thrilled Beatrice is a part of that history and even more thrilled that she loves it so much.”

Founded in 1965 by Suanne Ferguson and Jane Bingham Fawcett, the Canton Ballet has grown into one of Ohio’s premier cultural organizations. The company’s annual Nutcracker remains the cornerstone of its season — offering students the chance to experience the discipline and teamwork of professional performance while sharing the joy of dance with thousands in the community.

Catazaro Hayward said the show’s enduring appeal lies in its spirit. “It’s where technique meets storytelling — and where lifelong memories are made,” she said. “Families return for the nostalgia, the music and the shared sense of wonder — but also to see their community’s young artists achieve something extraordinary on a grand stage.”

Performances will take place at the Canton Palace Theatre on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. A special school matinee will be held Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m., with nearly 1,500 students from across Northeast Ohio expected to attend.

Tickets and information are available at cantonballet.com or by calling 330-455-7220.