• By Mabel Pais

Do you wish to experience an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and laughs?

Then attend a special screening of ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ including a live conversation with none other than Clark Griswold himself.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ‘CHRISTMAS VACATION’ – FILM

Chicago-area resident Clark Griswold intends to have a great Christmas with his entire family. He drives his wife Ellen and children Audrey and Rusty out to the country to find a tree, ultimately choosing the largest one they can find. Realizing too late that they did not bring any tools to cut down the tree, they are forced to uproot it instead. Clark’s holiday plans inadvertently cause steadily escalating chaos for the family’s yuppie neighbors, Todd and Margo Chester. When both Clark’s and Ellen’s parents arrive for Christmas, their bickering quickly begins to annoy the family. However, Clark maintains a positive attitude and remains undeterred in his plans. He covers the house’s entire exterior with thousands of lights, which temporarily cause a citywide power shortage once he gets them to work properly.

The preparations go on.

Clark and Ellen share a Christmas kiss. Clark is satisfied that he has provided a great Christmas for his family!

CONVERSATION WITH CHEVY AND JAYNI

Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the making of the movie, and answer your questions about Chevy’s storied career, including ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) and ‘Caddyshack.’ So grab your ugly holiday sweater and refill your eggnog, because “nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas!”

TICKETS

Tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).

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CREATE MAGICAL MEMORIES ON ‘NUTCRACKER’ WEEKEND

• By Mabel Pais

Create magical memories that will last a lifetime at these must-see events for the entire family!

Celebrate a NUTCRACKER WEEKEND at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall on December 17 and December 23

THE NUTCRACKER: THE STATE BALLET THEATER OF UKRAINE

An annual NJPAC tradition, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine returns with the beloved holiday favorite ‘The Nutcracker.’ Bundle up and escape to a winter wonderland with The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine’s holiday spectacle on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m.

Step into choreographer Andrei Litvinov’s whimsical world of toy soldiers and colorful characters. The beautiful costumes, spectacular sets, and enchanting choreography of Tchaikovsky’s beloved musical score will create an unforgettable memory for you and your loved ones this holiday season!

Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score and featuring brand new choreography and productions by Andrey Litvinov, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine premiered this revised version of ‘The Nutcracker’ in Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2020. Choreography and design lasted for many months with the pandemic constantly disrupting the process. Fortunately, this new interpretation of a timeless classic still managed to be completed. The company is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions of classical ballet in Ukraine. With no fewer than 55 of Ukraine’s finest performers, this esteemed ensemble has performed to the delight of audiences worldwide.

HIP HOP NUTCRACKER

Featuring Rap Legend MC Kurtis Blow

Saturday, December 23, 2023 @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

A holiday mash-up for the whole family!

NJPAC’s original holiday extravaganza remixes and re-imagines Tchaikovsky’s ballet with supercharged hip hop choreography – ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ – celebrating its 10th season with two spectacular performances.

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker brings a generous dose of contemporary spirit, sure to heat up even the most restless and wintry of souls.” –The New York Times.

“It turns The Nutcracker on its head, in the coolest possible way!” –CBS

The ‘Hip Hop Nutcracker’ is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers and rap legend who opens the show with a short set thereby setting the mood. A dozen unstoppable all-star dancers go full-out from start to finish, wrapping the classic story of ‘The Nutcracker’ in New York City style. Expect twists, turns and tons of fun in this full-length show that celebrates love, community and the magic of the season.

Prepare to see the stage come alive with supercharged hip-hop choreography, as performers inject New York City flair into an iconic Tchaikovsky ballet. Directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Adding to the excitement – inspired by the live stage show, the Original Special ‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ from Disney Branded Television will stream this holiday season, only on Disney+. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of the beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

TICKETS

Tickets to see THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF UKRAINE: THE NUTCRACKER or THE HIP-HOP NUTCRACKER are available by visiting NJPAC.org or the NJPAC Box Office or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722).

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)

NJPAC, located in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.

Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

Follow NJPAC Online:

Website:      njpac.org

Twitter:       @NJPAC

Instagram:     @NJPAC

Hashtag:      #NJPAC

Facebook:      facebook.com/NJPAC

YouTube:       NJPACtv

Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:

Website: njpac.org/takeastand

Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand

Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business.