THE NUTCRACKER Brings Sweet Holiday Tradition to Kelsey Theatre

No holiday season is as sweet without "The Nutcracker." Join Clara, the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy for Dance Connection's family adaptation of the timeless Tchaikovsky classic at Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre.

Dates and show times for this magical production are: Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Even the youngest theater goers will enjoy this fully-narrated, one-hour ballet set to the famous Tchaikovsky score. Dolls and sweets come to life, mice and toy soldiers do battle, and snowflakes dance in a snow covered forest. It's abridged and yet complete - with a large cast danced almost entirely by children and teens in beautiful costumes and scenery full of warmth and wonder. At the conclusion of the show, children and parents are invited up on stage to meet their favorite characters, who will be available to sign autographs.

Dance Connections (formerly known as New Jersey Youth Ballet) is based in Hillsborough, NJ. It was founded in 2007 by David Kieffer, who has extensive experience as a teacher, dancer and choreographer.

Tickets for "The Nutcracker" are $16 for adults, and $14 for seniors and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking is available next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.

Pictured: Clara (Mikaela Miranda) is about to embark on adventures with the beloved Nutcracker she receives during the family's Christmas party.