The Nutcracker

Nutcracker for the Holidays

There’s magic in the air and sparkle in every smile when Nutcracker comes to town! Over 60 talented dancers and actors from Hunterdon, Morris, Ocean, Sussex and Warren Counties have earned roles in the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. The company’s Nutcracker is unique because it’s narrated by Hadley DeGregoris, who tells the story from the perspective of twelve-year-old Clara Stahlbaum.

Your theatre ticket becomes an invitation to Dr. And Mrs. Stahlbaum's Christmas Party. As the theater darkens, and some of the world’s most beautiful music plays, Ms. DeGregoris takes you on a storybook adventure. Clara’s Godfather presents his magic show of dancing dolls, enchanting the children who attend the party. He has gifts for all… Ah, but only one touches Clara's heart, an ugly Nutcracker. As Clara falls asleep under the beautiful Christmas tree the noise of mice wake her. To save Clara, the Nutcracker and his army battle the giant Mouse King. The Nutcracker turns into a handsome prince, and takes a grown-up Clara through the enchanted forest into the land of Christmas. What happens to Clara and her prince? Don't miss this exciting fairy tale of a child's most unforgettable Christmas. DeGregoris engages the audience from the first scene to the very last moment. Through her narration young children understand a fanciful fairytale, while the rest of us realize that this is truly a story of life, love and the holiday spirit.

The coveted role of Clara will be shared by Grace Lazzarotti of Mt. Olive, Sophia Musal of Mt. Olive, and Meaghan O’Leary of Mansfield Twp.. Guest performer Shanna Heverly Hingle and her partner, both from NYC, will dance the Arabian Dolls. This is a perfect match for these two dancers whose background includes the National Tour of Cats as Tumblebrutus and Rumpleteazer. Michelle Quiner returns to the stage this year dancing as the grown-up Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Quiner danced Clara in 2009 at the Grand Ole Oprey House, Nashville, Tenn., in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular. She has been featured as “The Dancer You Should Know,” in Dance Sprit Magazine. This past summer Quiner was honored to dance the Black Swan in Pittsburg Ballet’s, Swan Lake.

Internationally acclaimed artist, Nikola Hadjitanev from the Sophia Ballet in Bulgaria, will be performing the role of Snow Pas and Cavalier. Mr. Hadjitanev was a finalist in the International Ballet Competition in Varna, and received first prize in the International Festival of Arts in Fivizano, Italy. As an international guest artist he has performed in Austria, Denmark, Greece and Spain.

For millions of Americans, it wouldn’t be Christmas without seeing a production of The Nutcracker. Treat your family and friends to this unique holiday tale. As the ballet unfolds, listen closely to the story of a most magical night.

Performances are at the beautiful Sitnik Theatre, located in the Lackland Center at Centenary College in Hackettstown, Dec. 16th at 7:00, Dec. 17th at 2:00 & 7:00, Dec. 18th at 3:00. This performance of the Nutcracker is appropriate for children ages 4 - 104. For tickets call the box office at 908-979-0900 or purchase online at www.njcyb.org

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