Eatontown Sisters Perform Starring Roles in Holiday Classic, 'The Nutcracker'

An announcement from the Company of Dance Arts in Red Bank:

This holiday season “Red Bank’s Official Ballet Company” the Company of Dance Arts (CODA), enthusiastically returns to the stage to present their latest production of The Nutcracker at the Count Basie Theatre.  The Nutcracker, a timeless ballet, has given many thousands their first glimpse of classical ballet as audiences join Clara and her Nutcracker on a magical journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy!

This year the leading roles of Clara and the Sugarplum Fairy  are being performed by two Eatontown sisters!  12-year-old Catherine Escuetta will take to the stage as Clara.  She will be joined in the “Land of the Sweets” by her 16-year-old sister  Maritess Escuetta dancing the role of the Sugarplum Fairy.  This is the first time in CODA’s 25-year history that two sisters have performed the two leading roles in the classic ballet.  Young Escuetta shares the role of Clara with Middletown’s Lauryn Masciana.  The role of the Sugarplum Fairy is shared by Escuetta and Tiffany Mako of Toms River.   Several other dancers from Tinton Falls will join the Escuettas in this year’s Nutcracker.  Eva DeVizia, Kylie Hall, Hayley Reed, Dax Reedy, and Erica Schertz will also perform.

The Company of Dance Arts' The Nutcracker is the only area production to feature the choreography of Peter Anastos set to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score, with elaborate Victorian costuming and the famous Christmas tree that "grows". Under the direction of Founder, Jennifer James Church and Artistic Directors, Nicholas and Shayne Mishoe, CODA has been performing The Nutcracker in area theatres for over 25 years.  CODA has special performances for school children and often provides complimentary tickets for the under privileged. 

Tickets are available through the Count Basie Theatre Box Office at (732) 842-9000 for the performances on Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th at 1:00pm and 5:00pm.Tickets are priced at $35, $25, and $15 with a $3 discount (two top price levels) for seniors and children age 12 and under. Visit www.countbasietheatre.org for details.

Company of Dance Arts

59 (Rear) Chestnut St., Red Bank, New Jersey 07701, Phone 732.842.4015,