MPAC, New Jersey Ballet and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to collaborate on Nutcracker
MORRISTOWN — New Jersey Ballet's 45th anniversary season presentation of the holiday classic Nutcracker will feature musical accompaniment by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
The collaboration marks the first time that MPAC, New Jersey's leading ballet company and symphony orchestra have worked together to present the seasonal favorite in Morristown.
Fourteen performances of Nutcracker will take place at Mayo Performing Arts Center from Dec. 11-26.
Tickets are $29-$69.
"Adding the prestige of New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to the artistry of New Jersey Ballet is sure to make the 45th anniversary of Nutcracker a memorable event for all who attend," says Allison Larena, president and chief executive officer of MPAC. "There will be extra magic in the air when two of the state's most acclaimed artistic organizations collaborate, along with MPAC, for this must-see holiday experience."
"We're looking forward to the 45th season of our holiday classic, and we're especially delighted that the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is joining us at the Mayo Performing Arts Center to create this powerful collaboration of three great New Jersey cultural institutions," adds Carolyn Clark, Director of New Jersey Ballet.
New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. It debuted in Millburn in 1971 with international star of New York City Ballet Edward Villella as the Cavalier. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey, with more than 5,000 dancers and children, and more than a million viewers. Many in the audience who saw the production as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see this cherished holiday tradition.
New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker at MPAC will feature the NJSO under the baton of Gary S. Fagin. When the curtain rises, audiences in Morristown can expect the eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing, glorious costumes, and the magic and pantomime that have inspired critics to call it "A spectacle that never seems to age.magic that should go on and on," and "One of the best, as good as it gets."