Grace Mathien as Clara (center) with Lead Party Girls, from left: Claire Beisel, Marielle Hoppe, Audrey Farrell, Briana Sullivan, Lucy McQuat, and Ryann McDonald. Photo: Urbano Photography
November 5, 2026 Submitted By Project31 Dance Studio
Grace Mathien returns as Clara; Rose McLaughlin and Sophie Smith share the Snow Queen in Dec. 5 performances in Weymouth
Forty-four Hingham dancers, ranging from third through 12th grade, will join 52 other young dancers from across the South Shore in Project31 Dance Studio’s second annual production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Maria Weston Chapman Middle School in Weymouth.
Following an enthusiastic response to last year’s premiere, the production returns to bring professional-quality ballet close to home. The two performances, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., are open to the public.
Among the Hingham dancers are Derby Academy eighth-grader Grace Mathien, who returns as Clara for the second consecutive year, and Hingham High School seniors Rose McLaughlin and Sophie Smith, who share the role of the Snow Queen.
Hingham in the Spotlight
Grace Mathien, an eighth-grader at Derby Academy, leads the 11 a.m. performance as Clara. At 3 p.m., she dances in Marzipan and as a Petal in the Waltz of the Flowers.
Rose McLaughlin, a senior at Hingham High School, dances the Snow Queen at 11 a.m. and the Soldier Doll at 3 p.m. She is also a Waltz of the Flowers Demi Soloist and dances in Coffee in both performances.
Sophie Smith, a senior at Hingham High School, dances the Tea Soloist at 11 a.m. and the Snow Queen at 3 p.m. She is also a Waltz of the Flowers Demi Soloist in both performances.
A Professional-Caliber Production
Now in its second year following a well-received 2025 premiere, Project31’s The Nutcracker is the only South Shore production featuring live snow effects, bringing the Land of Snow to life onstage.
Nearly 100 young dancers will share the stage with three professional guest artists: Tigran Mkrtchyan, a former Boston Ballet corps de ballet dancer, as the Snow King; Emmi Small, a Boston-based contemporary dancer and choreographer, as the Sugar Plum Fairy; and David DuBois, who was a principal dancer with Ballet RI (formerly Festival Ballet Providence) from 2015 to 2022, returning as Drosselmeyer.
Photos: Urbano Photography from L to R: Grace Mathien as Clara, Rose McLaughlin as the Snow Queen, Rose McLaughlin in Coffee, Sophie Smith as the Snow Queen, Sophie Smith as the Tea Soloist
Other Hingham Dancers in Featured Roles
- Clara Bailey (11th grade, Notre Dame Academy): Kissy Doll and Mother Ginger (11 a.m.); Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers (both performances).
- Georgina Leland (11th grade, Notre Dame Academy): Hot Chocolate Soloist (11 a.m.); Kissy Doll (3 p.m.); Waltz of the Flowers Demi Soloist and Snowflakes (both performances).
- Evelyn Urbano (9th grade, Notre Dame Academy): Waltz of the Flowers Demi Soloist (11 a.m.); Dew Drop (3 p.m.); Snowflakes (both performances).
- Camryn Khtikian (8th grade, Hingham Middle School): Lead Candy Cane (11 a.m.).
- Nina Moore (7th grade, Hingham Middle School): Angel Soloist (11 a.m.); Marzipan (3 p.m.); Waltz of the Flowers Petal (both performances).
- Caroline Garland (5th grade, Derby Academy): Lead Polichinelle (11 a.m.); Polichinelle (3 p.m.); Party Girl and Soldier (both performances).
- Elle Meara (4th grade): Lead Polichinelle and Party Girl (3 p.m.); Baby Mouse, Marzipan Lamb, and Polichinelle (11 a.m.).
Lead Party Girls: Claire Beisel, Audrey Farrell, Caroline McArdle, Leah McLaughlin, Lucy McQuat, and Brooke Meara (all seventh-graders at Hingham Middle School); Marielle Hoppe (eighth-grader at Derby Academy); Ryann McDonald (eighth-grader at Thayer Academy); and Briana Sullivan (eighth-grader at Hingham Middle School).
Other Hingham dancers in ensemble roles include Grace Anderson, Edith Deane, Ellen Duffy, Everly Dunn, Charlotte Fournier, Molly Fournier, Morgan Lewis, Bella Lovett, Brynn Malone, Emily Malone, Gemma Mancuso, Chloe McGunnigle, Matilda McQuat, Morgan Meara, Caroline Merrigan, Quinn Morgan, Elle Nordin, Catherine Saylor, Frankie Scappini, Maren Shea, Quinn Stavris, Haddie Terry, Charlotte Vandamme, Sophia Weiner, and Julia Xhanaj.
A Growing Holiday Tradition
Project31’s The Nutcracker is directed by Ballet Coach and Repetiteur Kristy DuBois and Project31 founder and Artistic Director Kenzie Finn.
“The overwhelming response to last year’s Nutcracker was a testament to the extraordinary talent of our young dancers, faculty, and the caliber of this production,” said Finn. “We are proud to offer the South Shore a truly exceptional and entertaining experience, where young artists share the stage with professional dancers. We can’t wait to bring even more magic to the stage this holiday season.”
“For our students, The Nutcracker is so much more than a performance,” said DuBois. “It deepens their understanding of classical ballet, from technique to storytelling, and it builds a real sense of community as dancers of every level work together toward something special. The Nutcracker is a tradition that brings families together, and we’re delighted to bring that joy, hope, and magic to the South Shore community for a second year.
“We’ve taken everything we learned from last year’s premiere and pushed it further. Audiences can look forward to a reimagined battle scene, and I’ll just say this: keep your eyes on the Snow Scene. We have a special surprise in store. There’s nothing like watching an audience of all ages get swept up in the story.”
Event Details
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Showtimes: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Maria Weston Chapman Middle School, Weymouth
Tickets: Starting at $30; on sale Monday, November 2, at 29336.site.drttix.com.
About Project31 Dance Studio
Based in Rockland, Project31 Dance Studio offers recreational and pre-professional programs for dancers of all ages. The studio is known for strong technical training, a welcoming environment, and a commitment to creativity and community.
For more information, visit www.project31dancestudio.org.