CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A ballet company in the Detroit suburb of Canton is in a bind after a trailer containing vital props for their upcoming production of “The Nutcracker” was stolen.
The trailer held significant items, including a grandfather clock and a Christmas tree designed to extend up to 17 feet (5.1 meters).
“These items are specific to theatrical performances and have no real use outside a stage setting,” expressed June Smith, the artistic director of the Plymouth-Canton Ballet Company.
“The Nutcracker,” a renowned ballet composed by Tchaikovsky, narrates a young girl’s fantastical dream featuring a showdown between the notorious Mouse King and the Nutcracker.
The ballet company is actively fundraising to acquire replacements in time for their performances scheduled for December 7-8.
Notably, this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the company’s inaugural production of “The Nutcracker.”
According to Smith, over 80 students from 20 different dance studios have dedicated months of practice in preparation for the show.
The missing trailer, which is 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length, poses a serious setback for the team.
“The solidarity shown by this community over the last 40 years gives us faith that we can navigate this hurdle together,” Smith stated optimistically.