American Repertory Ballet Announces 2012 Nutcracker Production and Special Events

American Repertory Ballet will present its 2012 Nutcracker in theaters throughout New Jersey, beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing for five weekends in five venues throughout December. A cast of over 100 dancers, including ARB’s professional dancers, ARB/Princeton Ballet School Trainees, and Princeton Ballet School students, will bring the classic tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to McCarter Theatre in Princeton, Union County PAC’s Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts in Rahway, Algonquin ARTS Theater in Manasquan, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, and State Theatre in New Brunswick.

This year’s production features a newly designed and constructed Snow Forest scene set by Carl Sprague, made possible by the generous support of the Covance Foundation. The Act I Party and Battle Scenes are restorations of the Company’s first Nutcracker production, choreographed by ARB’s founder Audrée Estey. The production also features choreography by Martin and Resident Choreographer Mary Barton. As Robert Johson of The Star-Ledger has said, “ARB director Douglas Martin has built upon [Estey’s] foundation tastefully." Johnson has characterizEd Martin’s Nutcracker choreography as “filled with bounding energy” and a sweeping “marvel of deliberate grace”.
American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker is being presented for the first time at both Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts and Algonquin ARTS Theater. At Hamilton Stage,

ARB is also presenting a new version of their Nutcracker entitled A Nutcracker Suite. This production provides a short narration of the Act I Party and Battle, and then follows Clara from the Land of Snow through the Kingdom of Sweets. An hour in length, this performance is a perfect introduction to the ballet for young children and families.

In addition to Nutcracker performances, American Repertory Ballet will offer several special events in the community this season:

American Repertory Ballet will also hold a special “Nutcracker Sweets” event in the West Lobby of McCarter Theatre on Friday, November 23rd and Saturday, November 24th at 3:15pm (immediately following the 1:00 pm performances and preceding the 4:30pm performances). Families will enjoy yummy treats, photos with costumed dancers, and story time. Children will also receive a special gift. Reservations are required for this special event. Please contact American Repertory Ballet Director of Development Naomi Levecchia at 732-249-1254 ext. 25 or nlevecchia@arballet.org for more information.

ARB’s 8th Annual Nutcracker Alumni Gathering will be on November 23rd in McCarter Theatre’s West Lobby, immediately following the 4:30pm performance (approx. 6:30pm). If you or someone in your family ever took part in American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker, was a student of Princeton Ballet School, and/or was a dancer with the Company, please join us for this special event. Admission is free, and donations are accepted. For reservations, contact Alumni Relations Coordinator Lisa de Ravel at 609-921-7758 ext. 11 or at 732-249-1254 ext. 20.

American Repertory Ballet is partnering with the Terra Momo Restaurant Group, making fine dining part of the Nutcracker tradition. All Terra Momo Restaurants will offer 20% off to ticket holders who enjoy a meal before or after a performance of American Repertory Ballet’s Nutcracker at McCarter Theatre, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, or State Theatre. For more information, and to make reservations at Eno Terra in Kingston or Mediterra and Teresa Caffe in downtown Princeton, visit the Terra Momo Restaurant Group at www.terramomo.com.