Virtual Variations Synopsis:

TPFF presents a virtual telling of the beloved classic The Nutcracker — VIRTUAL VARIATIONS

This virtual presentation includes dance and storytelling.

The Nutcracker comes to life celebrating a story we all can relate to.

Travel with Clara as she visits the Land of Sweets!! 

Dance styles represented are: Ballet, Modern, Tap, Vogue and Hip Hop.

Each solo takes us on an adventure through the scenic areas of New York, North Carolina, and Chicago!

Join us for this Holiday season, you won't want to miss!!!!!

Nutcracker Artist Bios

(In order or appearance in film)

Maryann Penzero (Yonkers, NY) is a graduate of Mercy College and The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Favorite roles include Bottom in A Midsummer Nights Dream, The Mouse King in The Nutcracker, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof and Frau Schmidt in The Sound of Music.

Role: Drosselmeyer

Randall Riley (Mount Vernon, NY) has a background in dance training from institutions such as Diversity of Dance Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts and The Ailey School. Former Dancer TU Dance form Minnesota & Brooklyn based Ronald K Brown Evidence. Current Freelancer and Creative Movement Facilitator to young people.

Role: Hot Chocolate “Spanish”

Gina Bergamini (Mt Kisco, NY) has danced for the Dalia Carella Dance Collective, The New York Renaissance Faire with the Troupe Gimme Shimmie, Altagracia Bruno's Baile Latino Mundial, and various small New york based modern and World Dance companies As a belly dancer, Gina has performed at numerous events and in clubs in NYC and beyond!  Gina is also a singer, dancer and actress and has been seen in regional musical theater, children's theater, and lately, on Zoom for Yonkers Public Library.​

Role: Coffee “Arabian”

Laurie LaRusso (New Rochelle, NY) is a Triple Threat talent featured in musicals including Parusia at The Westchester Broadway Theatre, Sweet Charity Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Guys and Dolls at the Emlin Theatre and was featured in Chicago amd the Star to Be in Annie. Lauries choreography credits include West Side Story, Chess and Chicago. Laurie is excited to collaborate with Paige Fraser as it furthers her mission to share her love of dance with others

Role: Candy Canes “Russia”

Amethyst Rose (Chicago, IL) studied in New York And Chicago. Their craft encompasses many forms of art such as Dance, Sing, and Acting. Amethyst’s mission is to help liberate people through Art. They believe that with art the sky is the limit.

Role: Marizipan “France”

Jose Rondon Jr. (Mount Vernon, NY) has over ten years of experience as a teaching artist, administrator, and choreographer. A proud member of Actors Equity Association and the Freddie G Class of 2015, Jose thrives on organization, creativity and all forms of expression. As a teaching artist, Jose has taught in New York City and North Carolina where he has served as the Assistant Director of The Pointe! Studio of Dance. His work has been featured at the National Black Theatre Festival and has won awards at the Junior Theatre Festival. As an administrator, Jose has worked with the Hayes Taylor YMCA and Samuel French, Inc. Former students have gone on to perform professionally and in regional theatres, which include Hamilton: An American Musical, Alvin Ailey, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Favorite musical theatre choreography credits include Smokey Joe’s Café, The Lion King Experience, Hairspray Jr. (Community Theatre of Greensboro). Favorite concert dance choreography credits include It’s A Hard Knock Life and Pride Land (The Pointe! Studio of Dance). Favorite performing credits include Mary Poppins (Neleus/ensemble), Spamalot, and most recently Kinky Boots (North Carolina Theatre). Jose is beyond thrilled to be a part of the NC Theatre Conservatory staff and strongly believes that “everything happens for a reason.”

Role: Polichinelle

Paige Fraser (Bronx, NY) graduated from the Ailey/Fordham BFA program. Paige danced professionally with Ailey II, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. In 2016 she was featured in an INTEL commercial “Experience Amazing.” She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2017). Theatre: West Side Story (Lyric Opera) and The Lion King National Tour. She is the Creative Arts Officer/ Dance Program Director at TPFF; which aims to create a safe space for dancers with or without disabilities.

Role: Sugarplum Fairy