(EWING, NJ) -- Roxey Ballet will present its 25th Annual American Holiday Classic "Nutcracker" from November 24-December 2 at The College of New Jersey's Kendall Main Stage Theater. This acclaimed annual holiday event has become a favorite tradition of area residents and visitors alike. Both adults and children marvel at the magical spectacle created by the collective vision of Mark and Melissa Roxey, founders of both The Roxey Contemporary Ballet and The Mill Ballet School. It's the perfect way to begin the holiday season.  

This performance provides the perfect introduction to ballet for children of all ages, and a timeless tradition for adults. The audience will share in the joining of Roxey Ballet’s company dancers and the students from the Mill Ballet School. This is a wonderful experience for our community to be inspired by their peers as they enjoy a professional production.

The production is directed by Mark Roxey, co-founder of this acclaimed professional company. Also featured are more than 200 costumes designed by Alicia Worden and Nilda Roxey, and lighting designed by Jeffrey Goldstein. Complemented by an international cast of professional performers, Roxey Ballet also draws on the abundant local talent pool from neighboring communities, including Lambertville, New Hope, Doylestown, Newtown, Stockton, Hopewell, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Ewing, and Princeton.

During the performance, Clara and her friends will take you on an enchanting voyage to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. Brilliant costumes and elaborate sets draw the audience into a heart-lifting marvelous journey that ushers in the seasonal spirit. Audiences can also expect a visit from Santa and his jolly friends during the performance! Your family will take joy in experiencing this wonderful memory together. There will be photo opportunities with the performers after each show as well as autograph signings.

"This performance is recognized as the most family-friendly production in the region. Every year we top the last with amazing new elements added to the performance," says Mark Roxey, Artistic Director. These elements include entirely re-designed costumes and choreography for the battle scene, featuring the Nutcracker himself. "Many community members and new faces will be on stage this season.”

This year, Roxey Ballet's programming includes a Sensory-Friendly Performance on December 1st at 1:00pm for children and adults with ASD and other sensitivity issues or special needs. Adaptations to this performance include decreased sound levels, eliminating of special effects, and increased house lighting. Quiet areas will be available, and trained volunteers will be present throughout the theatre to assist and direct audience members. Resources such as pre-visit, social stories, and picture schedules are available on their website.  

 A School Show will be also be held on November 30th at 10:00am and is open to the public.

Performances will be held at The College of NJ ~ Kendall Main Stage Theater, 2000 Pennington Road in Ewing, New Jersey.  Tickets are available online.