Start the Holiday Season with "The Cracked Nut"

The Red Bank Catholic Dance Department proudly presents, The Cracked Nut, its own creative version of the classic The Nutcracker. Rather than being solely a ballet performance, this show tells the original story through different dance styles in addition to ballet, such as jazz, musical theater, and contemporary.

In this telling, Clara’s magical night begins on Christmas Eve when her mother, Mrs. Stahlbaum, throws a Christmas party for Clara and her sister Fritza. At the party, Clara’s Aunt Drosselmeyer blesses her with the gift of a Nutcracker. Afterwards, a Heavenly Angel visits Clara and to Clara’s surprise, transforms her Nutcracker into a life-size toy soldier. Clara is frightened though, when the house mice also turn life-size, but her Nutcracker bravely saves her from the Mouse King. The Nutcracker becomes a living friend who takes her on a journey into the Magical Kingdom. There, Clara and the audience enjoy performances by magical characters including Snow, Flowers, Spanish Chocolate, and life-size Dolls. In the end, the message is clear that “if you love something very much, it is always alive.” Clara and the Nutcracker show that love continues for eternity in the hearts of those who believe.

Performances are Friday, December 4th and Saturday December 5th at 7pm in the RBC Broad Street Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and are available through the RBC Bookstore. Call (732) 747-1774 for information. Start off your holiday season with friends and family and enjoy this holiday classic with a twist!

CAST
Clara: Caroline Maggs
Nutcracker: Kirsten Saleh
Mouse King: Margaret Cooney
Mrs. Stahlbaun/Sugar Plum: Madeline Chiapperino
Fritza: Kelly Napoliello
Aunt Drosselmeyer: Aileen McNelis
Heavenly Angel: Erin Dye
Dolls: Madison Bruch and Carolee Wagner