'NUTCRACKER' Opens At The Paper Mill Playhouse 12/19

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce a sparkling holiday production of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker featuring the renowned Paper Mill Orchestra. Paper Mill Playhouse and The New Jersey Ballet celebrate their 38th annual production, the only Nutcracker in the state of New Jersey with a live orchestra. Clara and her valiant Nutcracker Prince return to the stage along with the Sugar Plum Fairy, toy soldiers, villainous Mouse King and cast of over 90 performers. Stunning sets and an enormous Christmas tree light up the Paper Mill stage.

Experience the wonder of the Nutcracker as originally envisioned by its creators, with the lush orchestral score played live. And, magical special effects to delight the eye and ear. Enjoy the holiday season in the beautiful North Jersey countryside, nestled against the scenic South Mountain Reservation. Our blazing 19th Century fireplace and brook-side setting adorned with twinkling white lights provide the perfect backdrop for a night to remember and rejoice.

Nutcracker will play the following performance schedule: Friday, December 19 at 8:00pm, Saturday, December 20 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm, Sunday, December 21 at 1:00pm & 6:00pm, Monday, December 22 at 7:00pm, Tuesday, December 23 at 7:00pm, Wednesday, December 24 at 1:00pm, Friday, December 26 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and Saturday, December 27 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm and Sunday, December 28 at 1:00pm & 6:00pm. Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $19 to $57. (Subject to a $1.25 Facility Preservation Fee) Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount on tickets and should call 973-379-3636 ext. 2438.

This year marks the 38th season for New Jersey's favorite Nutcracker. The first performance took place in 1971 at Paper Mill Playhouse, with Edward Villella (then a star with New York City Ballet) as the Cavalier. Over the years, thousands of performers and millions of patrons have made this Nutcracker a cherished holiday tradition with families throughout New Jersey and beyond.

The heart of the production is a galaxy of stars of international reputation -- 20 professional artists from eleven nations; Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tatarstan, Zaire and the United States. These artists have toured on every continent with such internationally renowned companies as the Bolshoi Ballet, Russian National Ballet, Ballet Argentino, Mongolian State Ballet, Hungarian State Ballet, Russian Imperial Ballet, The Royal Ballet, London Ballet, and Ochi International Ballet of Japan. Many have also performed with such acclaimed American companies as Stars of American Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet, Fort Worth Ballet, Carolina Ballet, Ballet Austin, and the international tour of Riverdance.

NEW JERSEY BALLET has an extensive performance schedule made possible in part by support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and by other generous corporate, foundation, and individual contributors. The company has been designated a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for "artistic excellence, substantial programming, and broad public service." For more information and a complete performance schedule, call 973-597-9600 or log on to www.njballet.org.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theatres. Paper Mill's programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is provided by funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, the National Endowment for the Arts, and generous contributions from many corporations, foundations, and individuals. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.