- By Mabel Pais
‘THE NUTCRACKER’, New Jersey’s longest running original professional production, will be presented at the Mayo (Morristown) Performing Arts Center (MPAC) by New Jersey Ballet with New Jersey Symphony players, December 13-26 (see schedule below).
New Jersey Ballet’s presentation of the holiday favorite ‘The Nutcracker’ comes to the Mayo Performing Arts Center for 14 performances beginning Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm. New Jersey Symphony under the direction of Constantine Kitsopoulos will provide live orchestral accompaniment (schedule listed below).
The Nutcracker brings together three of the state’s leading cultural institutions – New Jersey Ballet, New Jersey Symphony and MPAC – to present a Nutcracker that is firmly established as New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition.
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.”
HISTORY
New Jersey Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production 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 over 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.
PROGRAM
New Jersey Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ with New Jersey Symphony
Friday, December 13 to Thursday, December 26
The Nutcracker performances at MPAC:
Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 pm (limited tickets)
Saturday, Dec. 14 at 6 pm
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 pm (limited tickets)
Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 pm
Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 pm (limited tickets)
Saturday, Dec. 21 at 6 pm
Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 pm (limited tickets)
Sunday, Dec. 22 at 6 pm
Monday. Dec. 23 at 1 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 1 pm
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 1 pm
Thursday, Dec. 26 at 6 pm
Constantine Kitsopoulos conductor
New Jersey Ballet
New Jersey Symphony
Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky ‘The Nutcracker’
Based on ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’ by E.T.A. Hoffman
‘The Nutcracker’ will feature special guest dancer Benjamin Freemantle for the December 14 and 15, 6 pm performances.
A livestream of the Friday, December 20 performance will also be available for a price.
Estimated Concert Duration: 2 hours
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased online at mayoarts.org or at the Mayo Performing Arts Center box office at 973.539.8008.
The Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
MPAC presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
Box office (973) 539-8008
Online: www.mayoarts.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayoPerformingArtsCenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayopac/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MayoCenter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MayoCenter
The New Jersey Ballet (NJB)
NJB is a charitable performing arts organization that presents world-class dance programming throughout New Jersey. Founded in 1958, NJB embarked on a remarkable journey with a clear mission at its core: to provide New Jersey with a premier professional dance company dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and artistry. Learn more at njballet.org.
The New Jersey Symphony
Connect with NJ Symphony
Follow NJ Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube
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MAYO’S SPRING ARTS SCHOOL DOORS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
- By Mabel Pais
INFORMATION
Registration for MPAC’s SPRING PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES opened on Wednesday, December 4 at 12 pm. Classes begin the week of January 21 and run through May.
REGISTRATION & FEES
Register at mayoarts.org/education/performing-arts-school-registration
Registration will be processed on a first come, first served basis. All classes must be paid for in full at the time of registration unless other arrangements have been made. All tuition is non-refundable one week prior to the first day of the session. All tuition payments include a non-refundable processing and registration fee. Limited scholarships available based on need. Email pas@mayoarts.org for more information.
Sessions will be held for children as young as three years old to adult. Sessions will be held in musical theatre, acting and vocal technique. Private lessons are available. MPAC’s Miracle Project classes for children on the autism spectrum will continue to be held.
The Spring session will feature the return of Adult Cabaret Workshop for individuals 18 and older that instructs adults on song performance, stage presence and more, leading to a performance in MPAC’s Starlight Room.
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NJYC PRESENTS WINTER CONCERT
- By Mabel Pais
Over two hundred choristers in five choruses of the NEW JERSEY YOUTH CHORUS will present ‘A Holiday Journey’ on December 15 at 4:00 p.m. at Ridge Performing Arts Center located at 268 South Finlay Avenue in Basking Ridge.
Trish Joyce, NJYC Founder and Director said, “‘A Holiday Journey’ will feature all five choirs of the New Jersey Youth Chorus in a diverse selection of holiday and seasonal repertoire for all ages. We are delighted to welcome the audience to experience the beauty and artistry of our ensembles and share in the magic and warmth of the holiday season.”
CHORUS SELECTIONS
Joyful selections performed by NJYC’s choristers include arrangements of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High,’ ‘Deck the Hall with Jingle Bells,’ ‘An Irving Berlin Christmas,’ and ‘Carol of the Bells,’ as well as ‘Sing For Hanukkah’ by Lois Brownsey and Marti Lunn Lantz, ‘Lunar Lullaby’ by Jacob Narverud, ‘We Toast the Days’ by Linda Kachelmeier, ‘The Shepherd’s Spiritual’ by Donald Moore, and Michael John Trotta’s ‘Veni, Veni Emmanuel.’
The audience is invited to sing with the choir for selections including ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Zol Zain Sholem,’ a traditional Eastern European Jewish Song arranged by Joshua Jacobson. Zol Zain Sholem‘s joyous call and response features various words for peace as suggested by NJYC choristers: Sholem, Pace, Shanti, and Heiwa. The concert concludes with a singalong to the holiday favorite, ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’
TICKETS
Tickets are available at NJYC.org. Students and Seniors get discounts.
Wharton Arts
Learn more at WhartonArts.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Business, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Education)