Summit High School Student Stars in NJDTE Nutcracker

SUMMIT, NJ – November 25, 2018 – Donald Grennon, 14, of Summit, New Jersey will join renowned professional guest artists when she performs multiple soloist roles of “Nutcracker Prince” and “Cavalier to the Dew Drop” in this year’s full-length production of New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble’s (NJDTE) holiday classic THE NUTCRACKER. Donald, the son of Don and Lisa Grennon, is currently a freshman at Summit High School.

NJDTE returns to the Memorial Auditorium with its 49th Anniversary Season of the full-length production of THE NUTCRACKER. Set to the classic music of Peter Tchaikovsky and choreographed by NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano, the ballet features over 60 talented pre-professional dancers from New Jersey alongside 12 renowned international guest artists.

“It has been amazing to watch Donald grow as a dancer and an artist. This season he is portraying the roles of The Nutcracker Prince and the Cavalier partnering the Dew Drop in Waltz of the Flowers. Donald has tremendous stage presence, partnering skills, and strong artistic potential for a career as a professional dancer,” says Artistic Director Nancy Turano.

Donald will be joining an extraordinary group of international dance artists, including Marie-Lorène Fichaux, formerly of Paris Opera Ballet and currently with the Hamburg Ballet and Boston Ballet dancing the classic role of Sugar Plum Fairy, Mikhail Ilyin, formerly of American Ballet Theatre, will appear as her Cavalier, and Bradley Shelver of Metropolitan Opera Ballet as Russian lead join the Ensemble for three captivating performances. Also joining the cast are celebrated dancers are Timothy Stickney of Complexions Contemporary Ballet in the role of Dr. Drosselmeyer, and as the Grandmother, former New Jersey Ballet prima ballerina Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich.

All performances take place at Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ on Saturday, December 8 at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday, December 9 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $25-$35, and are available online at www.njdte.tix.com.

WHO: New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble

WHAT: THE NUTCRACKER

WHERE: Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University | 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07043

WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 1pm & 5pm

1pm Post-Performance THE NUTCRACKER “Behind the Scenes” VIP PASS

Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2pm

TICKETS: On Sale Now at www.njdte.tix.com

$35 Adult | $25 Child/Student/Senior

To request an interview with NJDTE Artistic Director Nancy Turano or one of our guest artists, please contact Kaitlyn Esposito at marketing@njdte.org

About NJDTE

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble provides artistic excellence in pre-professional dance education and performances, with forward-thinking programming that empowers dancers. Now celebrating its 49th Anniversary Season, NJDTE, located in Summit, NJ, continues to be an innovative force in the NJ and NYC Metro area by engaging acclaimed artists and international choreographers, and providing performance opportunities. Led by award-winning Artistic Director Nancy Turano since 1994, NJDTE mentors and inspires dancers toward higher education and supports its alumni as professionals in the field.

Getting There:

Montclair State University is located on Valley Rd. and Normal Ave. in Montclair, NJ. The University's main entrance is on Normal Avenue.

From Points North

Take Garden State Parkway to Route 46 West (exit 154). Exit onto Valley Road (South) toward Montclair.

From Points South

Take Garden State Parkway to Route 3 West (exit 153B). Exit onto Valley Road (South) toward Montclair.

Public Transportation

There is no weekend train service to Montclair Heights. NJ Transit Bus lines 28, 191, and 705 stop daily in front of the Alexander Kasser Theater (this is the Montclair State University stop). Go to www.njtransit.com or call NJ Transit at 973-275-5555 for more information.

On-Site Parking

Paid Parking is available at the Red Hawk Parking Lot using parking vending machines. The Memorial Auditorium is a 5 minute walk from the lot.