BWW Preview: The NUTCRACKER by New Jersey Ballet at MPAC and Music by New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

New Jersey Ballet's 45th anniversary season presentation of the holiday classic Nutcracker comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for 14 performances beginning Friday, December 11 and continuing through Saturday, December 26th.

The celebrated dance show will feature musical accompaniment by The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) under the baton of Gary S. Fagin. The collaboration marks the first time that MPAC, New Jersey's leading ballet company and symphony orchestra have worked together to present the seasonal favorite in Morristown.

"Adding the prestige of New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to the artistry of New Jersey Ballet is sure to make the 45th anniversary of Nutcracker a memorable event for all who attend," says Allison Larena, President and CEO of MPAC. "There will be extra magic in the air when two of the state's most acclaimed artistic organizations collaborate, along with MPAC, for this must-see holiday experience."

"We're looking forward to the 45th season of our holiday classic, and we're especially delighted that the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra is joining us at the Mayo Performing Arts Center to create this powerful collaboration of three great New Jersey cultural institutions," adds Carolyn Clark, Director of New Jersey Ballet.

NJSO Interim President & CEO Susan Stucker said, "The NJSO is proud to join the New Jersey Ballet and Mayo Performing Arts Center-two of our state's finest arts institutions-for this December's Nutcracker performances. The ballet's Nutcracker productions have been a Garden State Christmastime tradition for 45 years, and we are thrilled to be a part of this festive experience of live music and dance."

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. It debuted in Millburn in 1971 with international star of New York City Ballet Edward Villella as the Cavalier. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey, with more than 5,000 dancers and children, and more than a million viewers.

When the curtain rises, audiences in Morristown can expect the eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing and glorious costumes.

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker will have matinee and evening performances from Friday, December 11th through Saturday, December 26th. Tickets are priced from $29.00 to $69.00. The Mayo Performing arts Center is located at 100 South Street in Morristown in the heart of the city. For ticketing and information, call their Box Office at 973.539.8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.

For more information on New Jersey Ballet, visit www.njballet.org. For more information on The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, visit www.njsymphony.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of New Jersey Ballet