Photo by Megan Teat

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Nutcracker with American Repertory Ballet for five performances from December 20-22, 2024. A holiday tradition for 60 years, American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker is one of the longest-running productions in the nation and a treat for all ages.

Families and friends can experience the joy and celebration of this holiday tradition and make memories to last a lifetime—featuring thrilling choreography, Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, a cast of more than 100 dancers, and American Repertory Ballet’s only area performances with a live orchestra and choir! Featuring musicians of the Nutcracker Orchestra conducted by Kenneth T. Bean, and singers from the Princeton GirlChoir.

With thrilling choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, American Repertory Ballet’s dynamic professional artists take the stage with students from Princeton Ballet School (PBS), the official school of American Repertory Ballet (ARB) to tell the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Christmas gift and embarks on an enchanted journey. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince battle larger-than-life mice alongside toy soldiers, and travel through a whirlwind of dancing snowflakes to the Land of Sweets. Greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Clara enjoys a suite of brilliant and joyful dances before opening her eyes to the familiar sights of her home, wondering if it was all a dream.

Performances take place Friday, December 20 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 21 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm; and Sunday, December 22 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm.   Tickets range from $29-$69 and are available for purchase online or by calling State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469). State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

“The Nutcracker season at American Repertory Ballet and Princeton Ballet School is one of the most magical times of year!” says Samantha Dunster, ARB’s Director of Artistic Operations. “Company dancers explore new interpretations of roles within this timeless ballet and PBS students have the opportunity to perform in major venues alongside professional artists. I often wonder how many children watching the performances will be inspired by the magic and want to join the wonderful journey that this artform provides.”

Indeed, audiences of all ages are sure to be amazed by the technical bravura and artistry of dancers in elegant sequined costumes, with Candy Canes literally jumping through hoops! ARB’s talented production team, including Rylee Berger (Production Manager), Janessa Cornell Urwin (Resident Costume Designer & Wardrobe Supervisor), Devon Nicole Austin (Associate Wardrobe Supervisor), and Cheryl Mintz (Production Stage Manager), have been tirelessly working since the beginning of September to put all elements of the large scale, month-long production into place. For example, it takes over 100 hours to make one singular tutu, including hand-finishing, gluing, and sewing on around 200 Swarovski crystals.

“Every costume in this production has been carefully thought out, from the grand vision of the designs to the tiny details of the fabrics and trims in each costume piece,” says Urwin. “Every button, crystal, and sequin has been intentionally placed to provide the maximum artistic impact for both the audience and the performer. While the audience may not see many of these tiny details, the dancers wearing the costumes certainly do, and it’s so important for them to feel the character they are portraying in order for the audience to be swept away in the magic of the story.”

After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey” can be streamed online.

Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.