originally published: 11/13/2018



(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- New Jersey Ballet's seasonal presentation of the holiday classic Nutcracker comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center for 14 performances beginning Friday, December 14 at 7:30pm and ending on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 1:00pm. New Jersey Symphony Orchestra will provide live orchestral accompaniment. Tickets range from $29-69.

New this season are three performances held post-Christmas, December 26 and December 27. As the time leading up to the holidays may be too busy to enjoy the performance, MPAC will hold three performances after the holidays - including two matinees - for families who still want to share in the spirit of the season.

New Jersey Ballet's Nutcracker at MPAC will feature the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gary S. Fagin. When the curtain rises, audiences in Morristown can expect the eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing, glorious costumes, and the magic and pantomime that have inspired critics to call it "A spectacle that never seems to age... magic that should go on and on," and "One of the best... as good as it gets."

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 900 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey, with more than 5,000 dancers and children, and more than a million viewers. Many in the audience who saw the production as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see this cherished holiday tradition.

This season, New Jersey Ballet marks its 58th year as New Jersey's premier classical ballet company. It performs in 9 venues from Bergen to Cape May, and has performed internationally with tours to Russia, Taiwan, Bermuda, Italy, and India. Its programs have introduced countless children and adults to the magic of dance theatre and inspired in many a lifelong love of the arts. The company's extensive performance schedule is 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. New Jersey Ballet 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," and is a 3-time winner of the title New Jersey's Favorite Dance Company.

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Nutcracker performances at MPAC: Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 1:00pm; Saturday, Dec. 15 at 6:00pm; Sunday, Dec. 16 at 1:00pm; Sunday, Dec. 16 at 6:00pm; Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1:00pm; Saturday, Dec. 22 at 6:00pm; Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1:00pm; Sunday, Dec. 23 at 6:00pm; Monday, Dec. 24 at 1:00pm; Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 1:00pm; Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 6:00pm; and Thursday, Dec. 27 at 1:00pm.

Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey.