2 ❚ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2018 ❚ DAILY RECORD
TGIF!
ON STAGE
‘Nutcracker’ comes to life in December The Nutcracker
Bill Nutt
Special to Morristown Daily Record USA TODAY NETWORK - NEW JERSEY
“The Nutcracker” is a story of dreams that come magically alive. That sentiment applies as much to the dancers who perform the ballet as to the audiences who embrace it as a holiday classic. Gabriella Noa can attest to the power of the story (based on a fairy tale by E.T.A. Hoff mann) and the timeless music by Tchaikovsky. Noa was only 8 years old in 1989 when she saw the New Jersey Ballet production of “The Nutcracker,” but it was a transformative moment. “I know that was what I wanted to do,” she said. Young Gabriella enrolled in the company’s ballet school, and at age 11, she danced the role of Clara, the girl who receives the gift of an enchanted nutcracker doll that leads her on an adventure. “Clara is the glue that holds that the story together,” said Noa. Noa continues to dance with NJ Ballet and will appear in the company’s annual production at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, which runs Dec. 14 to 27. Furthermore, Noa is making a mark on the next generation of dancers. “I get the coach the Claras,” she said. “That’s my way of giving back.” This year marks the 48th season of the NJ Ballet’s presentation of “The Nutcracker.” “That’s a testimony to the strength of our production,” said Paul McRae, assistant artistic director of the company. Noa agreed. “It’s a beautiful production,” she said. “Our choreography is top-notch. I would compare it with any other company’s ‘Nutcracker.’ It tells the story in a traditional way, and that’s important.” The performances at Mayo PAC are also noteworthy for the live accompani-
When: Dec. 14 to 27: 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 1 and 6 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 6 p.m. Sundays (1 p.m. only on Dec. 24 and 27). Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown Tickets: $29 to $69 Info: 973-539-8008 or mayoarts What: Tchaikovsky’s holiday ballet is presented in a narrated version by the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet. This year’s production features original choreography co-designed by Alexandra Thorpe, the company’s new executive director. When: 7 p.m. Friday, December 14; 12 and 5 p.m. Saturday, December 15; 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16. Clara’s love of a doll is at the heart of “The Nutcracker,” the holiday ballet set to the music of Tchaikovsky. The New Jersey Ballet, now celebrating its 60th season, will brings its annual production of “The Nutcracker” to the Mayo PAC in Morristown for 14 performances. PHOTO COURTESY OF VAM PRODUCTIONS
Where: David and Carol Lackland Center, Centenary Stage Co., 715 Grand Ave., Hackettstown.
ment by an ensemble from the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Noa indicated that live music gives the dancers even more incentive to perform at the best. “You hear the musicians warming up, and it sends energy that just radiates from the pit to the stage,” said Noa. “There’s nothing like dancing to live music.”
Information: 908-979-0900 or centenarystageco or njcyb
Though not as long-lived as the New Jersey Ballet, the New Jersey Civic Youth Ballet also has won a devoted following for its eff orts to showcase the talents of local dancers and to bring ballet to northern New Jersey.
The annual NJCYB version of “The Nutcracker,” which will return to the David and Carol Lackland Center in Hackettstown from Dec. 14 to 16, also has become a holiday tradition. With prerecorded narration, the NJCYB production is designed to be accessible to even the youngest audiences. The focus is clearly on the role of Clara, which will be shared by Madison Kovach of Andover and Maya Papendick of Stanhope. This year’s production promises to off er a fresh look at “The Nutcracker.” The company is introducing new choreography by Ashley Feyrer, Erin Usawicz, and Alexandra Thorpe, who took over as NJCYB executive director this past year.
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A ‘Nutcracker’ for all ages
Tickets: $25 to $28; $15 for all children under age 12.
(Coincidentally, both Thorpe and Feyrer danced in the fi rst NJCYB production of “The Nutcracker” in 2000.) As in the past, young dancers will perform alongside professionals with international pedigree. This year’s guest artists include Milena Garcia from Cuba as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Ilya Kozadayev of St. Petersburg, Russia, as the Nutcracker Prince. The enduring popularity of “The Nutcracker,” whatever the production, speaks to the feeling of magic and hope that the story conveys at this time of year.
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