(CBS DETROIT) — A Michigan ballet company is asking for the public’s help to save Christmas after a trailer with its “Nutcracker” props was stolen over the weekend. 

Video captured when a truck drove off with the Plymouth-Canton Ballet Company’s prop trailer.

“It just makes me sick to watch the video, and … so quickly. It was five minutes. They hook up, and they are gone. And I’m going, ‘That’s my stuff,’” said June Smith, the company’s artistic director.

Smith said the trailer was stolen from their Canton rehearsal space around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. It was filled with backdrops, sets, fog machines, and props vital to their 40th anniversary “Nutcracker” performance, less than three weeks away.

But of course, the show must go on, as 80 students from 20 local dance studios have been preparing for weeks. 

“Everyone was really upset about it. Because it’s truly the props that pull the whole Nutcracker together, it was really unfortunate that someone would do that cause they don’t know how much it really means to us. And how much affects the show,” said Francesca Kardos, who plays Clara in “The Nutcracker.”

The nonprofit company is now rushing to rebuild what it can and has launched a GoFundMe to raise money to repurchase props. 

They are also asking the public to watch for their 24-foot black trailer and the items inside.

“They have probably dumped this stuff someplace. So if somebody sees this enormous grandfather clock or an enormous fireplace… that looks like a prop of some kind, then call Canton police,” said Smith. 

But holiday magic will be center stage no matter what happens with the props. 

“We’re going to make it work because it’s truly the dancers who perform that really make the show,” said Kardos.

After a National Championship season in 2023 for the Michigan Wolverines they’re now in a situation in 2024 where we’re past midway through November and they have yet to clinch bowl eligibility.

Michigan’s missed a bowl game twice in the past ten years — in 2020 during a 2-4 COVID-19 shortened season when the Wolverines went 2-4, and in 2014 when they finished 5-7 in Brad Hoke’s last year as head coach

Michigan, now 5-5, has two regular season games remaining — home versus Northwestern and away against No. 2 Ohio State (9-1).

Per ESPN Analytics, Michigan has a 79.6% chance of beating Northwestern, but just a 7.1% chance of defeating Ohio State. These percentages really magnify how important beating Northwestern is for Michigan to earn a bowl berth.

A bowl game is the bare minimum for a prestigious program like Michigan and head coach Sherrone Moore sees the value an extra game has heading into 2025.

“It’s huge for the program. Playing another game, getting another chance to play with your team, but building on the future,” Moore said. “Building, getting more practice. It’s like another spring ball for the young guys. It’s more football for the guys that do keep getting better at football.”

There’s no guarantee Michigan even gets a win against Northwestern, they’ll have to earn it despite being the favorite. Michigan ranks No. 129 in total offense and No. 38 in total defense while Northwestern ranks No. 130 in total offense and No. 58 in total defense. Things become exponentially more unfavorable for Michigan against Ohio State, who have the No. 17 total offense and No. 2 total defense.

Northwestern is 4-6 and still could make a bowl if they beat Michigan and Illinois to close out the season. Northwestern head coach David Braun said the team is focused on bowl eligibility and expects a time of possession-influenced, grind-it-out type of game against Michigan.

“If you look at these two teams, as Northwestern and Michigan match up, it’s most likely going to be a limited possession football game. Every possession is so critical,” Braun said.

Michigan’s coming off back-to-back losses against Oregon and Indiana and desperately needs to regain their footing in the final two contests. If Michigan does pick up a win against Northwestern only then will they have the proper momentum and juice heading into The Game against the Buckeyes.

CORKTOWN, Mich. (FOX 2) – An offshoot of a Corktown-based business will be the newest store to open in Michigan Central Station this week that offers both community programming and local crafts.

Neighbor X Folk will officially open its doors on Nov. 22, pitching itself as not just a store, but a “community space where every product tells a story.”

Associated with the James Beard-nominated café ‘Folk’ that doubles as a wine shop, Neighbor X Folk can be found just minutes away from the brand’s primary location on Trumbull.

In a social media post made last week, the business plans to offer “minority-owned and sustainably minded brands” that vary from home decor and tableware, to books, bodycare, and other good giftable items.

Beyond that, the location will also offer workshops and product samplings. They could be cooking sessions or meet-and-greets with popular chefs behind exciting recipes and food brands.

“From hands-on workshops, book signings and product samplings, our space fosters a welcoming environment where creativity thrives amidst a community of conscious consumers and neighbors,” their Facebook post reads.