The Nutcracker Program 2024 by Mayo Performing Arts Center

New Jersey Ballet’s with New Jersey Symphony

December 13 - 26, 2024

January

1/4

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bobby Collins with special guest

Maureen Langan

1/5 Dream Like Taylor

1/10 The Greatest Piano Men

1/11

1/12

1/17

Manhattan Comedy Night

Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025 Tour

Back to the Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl

1/18 Eaglemania

1/19 Cool School & Hard Bop: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

1/25 Mike Super: Magic & Illusion

1/26 Pinkalicious the Musical

1/30 Blackberry Smoke

1/31 The Blind Boys of Alabama

February

2/1

2/2

Magical Mystery DoorsBeatles, Zeppelin, Doors Tribute

New Jersey Symphony: Holst’s The Planets–An HD Odyssey

2/3 The Drew Forum presents: Al Franken

2/6 The Outlaws

2/7-8 The Cher Show

2/13

Vitamin String Quartet

2/14 Jay Leno

2/15 Sons of Cream

2/16

BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular

2/22 The Gazillion Bubble Show

2/26 Matt Nathanson

2/27 Bilal

March

3/1

RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles

3/6 The High Kings & Mary Black

3/7 KODO

3/8 Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

3/9 A Year with Frog and Toad

3/12 Burton Cummings of The Guess Who 60th Anniversary Hits Tour

3/14 Mandy Patinkin: Being Alive with Adam Ben-David on Piano

3/15 NJ Ballet presents: Masterworks in Motion: Balanchine, Martins and more

3/16

New Jersey Symphony presents: Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2

3/21 The National Dance Company of Ireland: Rhythm of the Dance

* Additional events to be added.

**Schedule subject to change.

3/22

3/23

3/25

3/27

3/28-30

April

4/2

4/5-6

4/8

4/9

4/10

4/13

4/17

4/18

4/23

4/24

Sesame Street Live! Say Hello

NJ Ballet presents: Once Upon A Time

Rhythm India: Bollywood and Beyond

Terry Fator: On the Road Again

Come From Away

Experience Hendrix

STOMP

Black Violin: Full Circle Tour

Dr. Temple Grandin: The Way I See It

New Jersey Symphony: Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert

Tony DeSare Presents Sinatra & Beyond

Psychology of Dogs

Anthony Rodia

Old Crow Medicine Show

Michael W. Smith: Live in Concert

4/25-27 Clue

4/28

May

5/1

5/2

5/3

5/4

5/6

5/9

5/10

5/13

5/16

5/17

June

6/5

6/14

6/20

6/21

6/26

The Drew Forum presents: Andy Borowitz

The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood

Itzhak Perlman in Recital

Pete the Cat

Brit Floyd

New York Gilbert & Sullivan

Players: HMS Pinafore

Vic DiBitetto

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical

Howie Mandel

NJ Ballet presents: Timeless Masterpieces: Swan Lake Act II and more

New Jersey Symphony: Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich

Almost Queen

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience

Happy Together 2025

Isaac Mizrahi

New Jersey Ballet’s

The

Nutcracker

with New Jersey Symphony

New Jerseyʼs favorite holiday tradition since 1971

Based on E.T.A. Hoffmanʼs “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

David Tamaki

NJBS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Martin Harvey

WARDROBE MANAGER

Peggy Casey

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Maria Kowroski

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Paul H. McRae

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

Toni Ann Auriemma

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGERS

Alexis Hinman

Emily Grader

LIGHTING DESIGN

Paul Miller

ARTISTIC COORDINATOR

Kotoe Kojima-Noa

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Coakley

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS

Emily Grader

Sabrina Silverman

REPERTORY COACHES

Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich

Leigh-Ann Esty, Zoe Zien

NJB SCHOOL REPERTORY COACHES

Martin Harvey, Toni Ann Auriemma, Alexandra Gonzalez, Zack Grubbs Kotoe Kojima-Noa, Raynor Rubel, Dara-Anne Sacripanti, David Tamaki

GUEST ARTISTS

*Benjamin Freemantle

*McGee Maddox

THE COMPANY

Emily Barrows, Lilli Etheredge, Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Vinicius Freire

Aram Hengen, Yuiko Honda, Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn

Raleigh Ledford, David Lopena, Risa Mochizuki, Michael Paradiso

Denise Parungao, Abigail Robison, Brian Sevilla, Andy Sousa

Eunice Suba, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez, Catherine Whiting Katelyn Konawalik, Alexandra Limeburg, Caroline Baggs

TRAINEES

Livia Childers, Charlotte Elliott, Sofia Ferrigno, Fiona Quirk, Scarlett Keith, Scarlett Learned

Caroline Morrow, Caden Santander, Evalyn Sartuche, Maggie Sorge, Ava Tellier

Story of The Nutcracker

The story begins at a Christmas Eve party at the home of the Stahlbaum Family with their children Clara and Fritz. Everyone is engaged in games and dancing when Clara’s godfather Drosselmeyer arrives with a handsome prince. Drosselmeyer, a magician and toymaker, brings a life size porcelain doll and soldier doll to entertain the guests. He distributes presents to all of the children except for Clara. Drosselmeyer gives her a handsome wooden Nutcracker. In an act of jealousy Fritz steals the Nutcracker and breaks it. The prince helps Clara tuck the broken Nutcracker into the doll’s bed. As the festivities unwind, the guests leave and the Stahlbaum family retires for the night.

As the empty living room grows dark, Clara returns for one last look at her beloved Nutcracker. She falls asleep on the sofa and this is when Drosselmeyer’s magic begins to unfold. Giant mice appear from behind the fireplace, child-size toy soldiers pursue the mice and the Christmas tree begins to grow, higher and higher, until it towers over Clara. The room transforms as everything disappears except the now giant Nutcracker who leads the toy soldiers into battle against the mice. During the battle the Mouse King knocks the Nutcracker to the ground. Clara, wanting to save her beloved Nutcracker, distracts the Mouse King long enough so the Nutcracker can win the battle. Drosselmeyer then appears and transforms the Nutcracker into the handsome prince Clara met at the Christmas Eve party. As they pass through the forest, swirling snowflakes dance a splendid waltz led by the King and Queen of the Snowflakes.

Clara and her prince journey to the Kingdom of the Sweets and are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The Sugar Plum Fairy leads them to a beautiful throne, where they are entertained by: Hot Chocolate from Spain, Coffee from Arabia, Tea from China, Mirlitons, Trepak and the Mother Ginger with her clowns. Then comes the Waltz of the Flowers, with a shimmering Dewdrop leading the beautiful blooms and finally the grand pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

The Divertissements join in a final waltz and Clara and her prince sail away in a magical swan boat.

Elite Youth Summer Intensive (Ages 8-13)*

July 7 to July 11, 2025

Summer Intensive (Ages 12-20)*

July 14 to August 2, 2025

*Audition required

ACT I SCENE 1

Clara…….................................................................................Emily Barrows, Yuiko Honda, Sofia Ferrigno Fritz……………………………........................................................................................Diego Arpino, Dean Boggis

Killian Connolly, Zachary Noa-Pierson

Drosselmeyer……………….……..........................Zack Grubbs, Martin Harvey, Paul McRae, Raynor Rubel

Drosselmeyer’s Nephew………………...............................................Aram Hengen, Julian Goodwin-Ferris

David Lopena, Vinicius Freire, Brian Sevilla

Little Boys.…..................................................................................................…….See Alternating Cast Page

Little Girls............................................................................................................See Alternating Cast Page

Father…………………………...............................................Raynor Rubel, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez

Mother………………………………....................................................Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn, Raleigh Ledford

Lilli Etheredge, Katelyn Konawalik

Grandmother……….......…..........................................Rosemary Sabovick-Bleich, Dara-Anne Sacripanti

Guests……............................................................Lilli Etheredge, Vinicius Freire, Julian Goodwin-Ferris

Aram Hengen, Katelyn Konawalik, Raleigh Ledford, Alexandra Limeburg

David Lopena, Michael Paradiso, Abigail Robison, Raynor Rubel, Brian Sevilla

Andy Sousa, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez

Scarlett Keith, Scarlett Learned, FIona Quirk, Caden Santander, Jack Silane, Maggie Sorge, Ava Tellier

Porcelain Doll…………………………....................................Emily Barrows, Yuiko Honda, Catherine Whiting

Evalyn Sartuche, Sofia Ferrigno

Soldier Doll…………………………...............................Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Vinicius Freire, David Lopena

Michael Paradiso, Brian Sevilla

ACT I SCENE 2 - The Battle

Solo Mice……………...........…..................………...............................................Kennedy Anderson, Taylor Guli

Erin Jacobs, Audrey Lei, Brynn Melillo

Solo Soldiers…................................................Kennedy Anderson, Audrey Curran, Julianne Gallagher

Madison Kovach, Anick McClellan, Cailey Rutkowski

Nutcracker Prince…….........................................Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Vinicius Freire, Aram Hengen

David Lopena, Brian Sevilla

Mouse King…………………….....................................................................................Raynor Rubel, Jack Silane

Bugle Boy/Bugle Girl…………………………............................Jayden Noa, Juliana Piazza, Alexander Zhang

Soldiers……..…................…….................................................................................See Alternating Cast Page

Mice……..............................................................................................................…See Alternating Cast Page

ACT I SCENE 3 - Waltz of the Snowflakes

Snow Queen………………………....................................................Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn, Risa Mochizuki

Denise Parungao, Eunice Suba

Snow King………….......................................McGee Maddox*, Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Michael Paradiso

Andy Sousa, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez

Solo Snowflakes…................................Emily Barrows, Lilli Etheredge, Yuiko Honda, Abigail Robison

Eunice Suba, Catherine Whiting, Alexandra Limeburg

Caroline Baggs, Evalyn Sartuche, Maggie Sorge

Snowflakes.....…...................................................................................................See Alternating Cast Page

~ INTERMISSION ~

ACT II - The Kingdom of Sweets

Sugar Plum………………….......................................................................Yuiko Honda, Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn

Risa Mochizuki, Denise Parungao, Eunice Suba, Catherine Whiting

Cavalier………………….................................................Benjamin Freemantle*, Michael Paradiso, Brian Sevilla

Andy Sousa, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez

Dew Drop…………................................................Emily Barrows, Yuiko Honda, Ilse Kapteyn, Risa Mochizuki

Denise Parungao, Eunice Suba, Catherine Whiting

Angels…...............................................................................................................………See Alternating Cast Page

Courtiers…......................................................................................……....................…See Alternating Cast Page

Hot Chocolate…........................................................Emily Barrows, Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Vinicius Freire

Yuiko Honda, Risa Mochizuki, Michael Paradiso, Denise Parungao, Brian Sevilla

Eunice Suba, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez, Catherine Whiting Coffee……............................Aram Hengen, Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn, Raleigh Ledford, McGee Maddox*

Denise Parungao, Andy Sousa, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez

Tea……….............................................Aram Hengen, Julian Goodwin-Ferris, Vinicius Freire, David Lopena

Caroline Baggs, Charlotte Elliott, Sofia Ferrigno, Scarlett Keith, Scarlett Learned

Caroline Morrow, Caden Santander, Evalyn Sartuche, Maggie Sorge Mirlitons………...................................................…Emily Barrows, Lilli Etheredge, Yuiko Honda, Se Hyun Jin

Ilse Kapteyn, Raleigh Ledford, Alexandra Limeburg, Abigail Robison

Eunice Suba, Catherine Whiting, Caroline Baggs, Katelyn Konawalik Trepak…………………………………….............................................Vinicius Freire, David Lopena, Michael Paradiso

Brian Sevilla, Andy Sousa

Mother Ginger...............................................................Taylor Guli, Erin Jacobs, Raynor Rubel, Jack Silane Solo Clowns.......................................................................…Tristan Aderhold, Makenna Deegan, Ella Harvin

Brynn Melillo, Lily Silver, Thea Silver Clowns See Alternating Cast Page

Waltz of the Flowers

Dew Drop………………...........................................Emily Barrows, Yuiko Honda, Ilse Kapteyn, Risa Mochizuki

Denise Parungao, Eunice Suba, Catherine Whiting Solo Flowers……….........................................Lilli Etheredge, Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn, Katelyn Konawalik

Raleigh Ledford, Eunice Suba, Alexandra Limeburg, Abigail Robison Flowers…………….................................Katelyn Konawalik, Caroline Baggs, Charlotte Elliott, Sofia Ferrigno

Fiona Quirk, Scarlett Keith, Scarlett Learned, Caroline Morrow

Caden Santander, Evalyn Sartuche, Maggie Sorge, Ava Tellier

Carolyn Chen, Julianne Gallagher, Maya Kirton, Madison Kovach

Cailey Rutkowski, Clover Tillinghast Grand Pas de Deux…………..........………....Benjamin Freemantle*, Yuiko Honda, Se Hyun Jin, Ilse Kapteyn

Risa Mochizuki, Michael Paradiso, Denise Parungao, Brian Sevilla

Andy Sousa, Eunice Suba, Felipe Valentini, Joshuan Vazquez, Catherine Whiting

Finale……………………...................................……………………..……………………………............................……. Full Company

ALTERNATING CASTS

LITTLE GIRLS

Carolyn Chen, Sophie Dion, Julianne Gallagher, Elizabeth Gulberg, Ella Harvin, Erin Jacobs

Ella Jordre, Harley Kerian, Anick McClellan, Isabella Natale, Emma Schmelzer

Delaney Shedd, Lily Silver, Clover Tillinghast, Lauren Venturella, Arianna Yamat

LITTLE BOYS

Tristan Aderhold, Diego Arpino, Dean Boggis, Killian Connolly, James Humphreys

Jayden Noa, Zachary Noa-Pierson, Alexander Zhang MICE

Kennedy Anderson, Madisyn Benjamin, Taylor Guli, Vera Hall, Tamar Harel, Lux Harvell

James Humphreys, Erin Jacobs, Anna Jagen, Emily Johnston, Caroline Rose Kelder

Bethany Laluces, Audrey Lei, Sophie McDavit, Brynn Melillo, Zachary Noa-Pierson, Isabel Underwood

SOLDIERS

Taraa Arampulikan, Madisyn Benjamin, Audyn Cepero, Sophia Cheng, Giuliana Fiorini

Evelyn Frey, Vienna Fuda, Caralina Giudice, Lily Goldstein, Madyson Grove, Brianna Gumpper

Caitlin Houlihan, Caroline Rose Kelder, Claire Ku, Brynn Melillo, Audrey Monzo, Olivia Parekkadan

Juliana Piazza, Zachary Noa-Pierson, Miabella Scala, Graham Schinder, Ava Settembrino

Thea Silver, Lauren Sulton, Alexandra Syrek, Annabelle Talakoub, Isabel Underwood, Joy Webber SNOWFLAKES

Caroline Baggs, Charlotte Elliott, Sofia Ferrigno, Scarlett Keith, Katelyn Konawalik, Fiona Quirk

Scarlett Learned, Caroline Morrow, Caden Santander, Evalyn Sartuche, Maggie Sorge, Ava Tellier

Carolyn Chen, Julianne Gallagher, Maya Kirton, Madison Kovach

Cailey Rutkowski, Clover Tillinghast ANGELS

Kennedy Anderson, Audyn Cepero, Sophia Cheng, Audrey Curran, Sophie Dion, Madyson Grove

Elizabeth Gulberg, Tamar Harel, Ella Harvin, Caitlin Houlihan, Anna Jagen, Emily Johnston

Ella Jordre, Caroline Rose Kelder, Harley Kerian, Claire Ku, Alyona Kushnirskiy, Bethany Laluces

Anick McClellan, Isabella Natale, Juliana Piazza, Jenna Scartozzi, Emma Schmelzer

Ava Settembrino, Delaney Shedd, Lily Silver, Victoria Stavreva, Alexandra Syrek

Annabelle Talakoub, Isabel Underwood, Sarah Ward, Joy Webber, Scarlet Wurster

Arianna Yamat, Ena Yoon, Yiling Zou COURTIERS

Charlotte Elliott, Sofia Ferrigno, Scarlett Learned, Caroline Morrow

Caden Santander, Maggie Sorge, Ava Tellier

Carolyn Chen, Audrey Curran, Julianne Gallagher, Elizabeth Gulberg, Ella Harvin, Erin Jacobs

Ella Jordre, Harley Kerian, Maya Kirton, Madison Kovach, Audrey Lei, Anick McClellan

Cailey Rutkowski, Delaney Shedd, Clover Tillinghast, Lauren Venturella, Arianna Yamat CLOWNS

Myra Ankareddi, Sophia Cielusniak, Aemilia Cox, Evelyn Cox, Lilianna Crum, Alyssa Dial

Evelyn Frey, Vienna Fuda, Brianna Gumpper, Kaylie Guss, Caitlin Houlihan, Ingrid Leung, Elsa Liu

Ava McGrath, Julia Montgomery, Audrey Monzo, Ariane Nijborg, Layla Noa, Olivia Parekkadan

Juliana Piazza, Natalia Russomano, Julie Scarpin, Skye Schroeder, Ava Settembrino

Kennedy Sobala, Nina Tang, Zoe Timko, Ava Tully, Ella Verdicchio

UNDERSTUDIES

UNDERSTUDY CLARAS

Carolyn Chen, Ella Harvin, Harley Kerian, Clover Tillinghast

UNDERSTUDY FRITZ

Tristan Aderhold

UNDERSTUDY LITTLE BOY

Graham Schinder

UNDERSTUDY LITTLE GIRLS

Brynn Melillo, Isabel Underwood, Sarah Ward

UNDERSTUDY SOLDIERS

Margaret Berger, Aemilia Cox, Julie Scarpin

UNDERSTUDY BUGLE BOYS/GIRLS

Evelyn Frey, Audrey Monzo, Graham Schinder

UNDERSTUDY SNOWFLAKES

Erin Jacobs, Lauren Venturella

UNDERSTUDY ANGELS

Vera Hall, Sophie McDavit

UNDERSTUDY CLOWNS

Rosie Capriotti, Serafina Capriotti, Jackie O'Driscoll, Aurora Perlmutter, Rose Perlmutter

Penelope Piccoli, Graham Schinder, Louise Yacoub

GUEST ARTISTS

Mr. Chan was born in Guangdong, China, in 1992 and trained at the Guangzhou Art School from 2004 to 2010. In 2010 he was finalist at the Prix de Lausanne, Switzerland, which earned him a full scholarship to study with Houston Ballet Academy. Chan joined the corps de ballet of Houston Ballet in 2012 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2017. In 2020, Chan was among the finalists of Hunan TV's "Dance Smash".

Chan joined NYCB as a soloist in 2021 and was promoted to principal dancer the following year, making him the

icompany's first Chinese principle since its founding in 1948. Most recently, Forbes China included Chan in their “30 under 30” list and he was featured on the cover story of Dance magazine. @chunner

Benjamin Freemantle’s career began in Vancouver, Canada, at the Caulfield School of Dance where he trained before earning a full scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School at 15. After joining San Francisco Ballet in 2015, he quickly stood out for his versatility and artistry, rising to Principal Dancer by 2019. Freemantle has captivated audiences in principal roles across full-length ballets and original works, including masterpieces by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, and Helgi Tomasson.

BENJAMIN FREEMANTLE's career began in Vancouver, Canada, at the Caulfield School of Dance where he trained before earning a full scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School at 15. After joining San Francisco Ballet in 2015, he quickly stood out for his versatility and artistry, rising to Principal Dancer by 2019. Freemantle has captivated audiences in principal roles across full-length ballets and original works, including masterpieces by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, and Helgi Tomasson.

Chan joined NYCB as a soloist in 2021 and was promoted to principal dancer the following year, making him the icompany's first Chinese principle since its founding in 1948. Most recently, Forbes China included Chan in their “30 under 30” list and he was featured on the cover story of Dance magazine. @chunner

Since relocating to New York City in 2022, Benjamin has appeared as the lead sailor in Bradley Cooper’s *Maestro*, danced in Twyla Tharp’s work at City Center, and originated a role in *Angel Island* at BAM. He has performed internationally, walked in New York Fashion Week, and been brought in by multiple companies as a Guest Principal Artist. This year, he filmed a feature with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan and will be seen on Amazon as series regular in a new TV show by the Emmy-winning creators of *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* in spring of 2025.

Since relocating to New York City in 2022, Benjamin has appeared as the lead Maestro, danced in Twyla Tharp's work at City Center, and Angel Island at BAM. He has performed internationally, walked in New York Fashion Week, and been brought in by multiple companies as a Guest Principal Artist. This year, he filmed a feature with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan and will be seen on Amazon as a series regular in a new TV show by the Emmy-winning creators of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in spring of 2025.

Carlos Gonzalez joined American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in September 2015, became an apprentice with the main Company in December 2016, and joined the corps de ballet in June 2017. His repertoire with ABT includes the Lead Gypsy in Don Quixote, the peasant pas de deux in Giselle, Harlequin in Alexei Ratmansky’s

Born in Madrid, Spain, Carlos Gonzalez began studying classical dance in 2005 at El Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Fortea. In 2012, he continued his training at El Real Conservatorio Profesional de Danza Mariemma in Madrid. Carlos Gonzalez joined American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in September 2015, became an apprentice with the main Company in December 2016, and joined the corps de ballet in June 2017. His repertoire with ABT includes the Lead Gypsy in Don Quixote, the peasant pas de deux in Giselle, Harlequin in Alexei Ratmansky’s

MCGEE MADDOX - Former principal dancer and mostrecently guest principal artist with The National Ballet of Canada. Classical repertoire: Siegfried (Swan Lake), Albrecht (Giselle), Onegin (Onegin), Romeo and Tybalt (Romeo and Juliet) Prince Charming (Cinderella). Principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, James Kudelka, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Jiri Kylian, and Alexei Ratmansky. Broadway tours: Jerry Mulligan

, Pedro and Juan Alejandrez in Like Water for Chocolate, Recruit in The Nutcracker, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, The Faun in The Seasons, Benno, the Spanish Dance, and the Neapolitan Dance in Swan Lake, leading roles in , and Single Eye, and featured roles in Deuce Coupe, La Follia Variations, In the Upper Room, Sinfonietta, and Songs of Bukovina. He created a

McGee Maddox: Former principal dancer and most recently guest principal artist with The National Ballet of Canada. Classical repertoire: Siegfried(Swan Lake), Albrecht(Giselle), Onegin(Onegin), Romeo and Tybalt(Romeo and Juliet) Prince Charming(Cinderella). Principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, James Kudelka, Christopher Wheeldon, Wayne McGregor, Jiri Kylian, and Alexei Ratmansky. Broadway tours: Jerry Mulligan(An American in Paris), The Rum Tum Tugger(Cats). Regional theater: 9 to 5(Fulton Theatre).

McGee will be making his Broadway debut in spring 2025 with the musical "Smash" directed by Susan Stroman.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MARIA KOWROSKI was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she began her ballet training at age seven with the School of Grand Rapids Ballet. Ms. Kowroski entered the School of American Ballet (SAB), the official school of New York City Ballet, in the fall of 1992. She became an apprentice with New York City Ballet in the summer of 1994 and was invited to join the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in January of 1995. In the spring of 1997, Ms. Kowroski was promoted to the rank of soloist and in the spring of 1999, she was promoted to principal dancer.

Ms. Kowroski has danced many principal roles in the Balanchine repertory including: Agon, Apollo, Concerto Barocco, Mozartiana, Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds from Jewels, Prodigal Son, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Chaconne and Bugaku. Ms. Kowroski has had the pleasure of being created on by several choreographers including Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Mauro Bigonzetti, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Boris Eifman, and Helgi Tomasson. She has also had the privilege of working with the great choreographers Alexei Ratmansky and William Forsythe. Ms. Kowroski was a guest artist with the Mariinsky ballet performing Swan Lake in 2003, a mixed Balanchine program in 2006 and 2019. In 1994 Ms. Kowroski was the recipient of the Princess Grace Award and in 2011 she received the Jerome Robbins award.

Ms. Kowroski has danced many principal roles in the Balanchine repertory including, Agon, Apollo, Concerto Barocco, Mozartiana, Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds from Jewels, Prodigal Son, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Chaconne and Bugaku. Ms. Kowroski has had the pleasure of being created on by several choreographers including Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Mauro Bigonzetti, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Boris Eifman, and Helgi Tomasson. She has also had the great privilege of working with the great choreographers Alexei Ratmansky and William Forsythe. Ms. Kowroski was a guest artist with the Mariinsky ballet performing Swan Lake in 2003, a mixed Balanchine program in 2006 and 2019. In 1994, Ms. Kowroski was the recipient of the Princess Grace Award and in 2011 she received the Jerome Robbins award. Ms. Kowroski became Acting Artistic Director of New Jersey Ballet in November 2021 and Artistic Director in September 2022. Under Ms. Koworski's directorship, a new work was commissioned and choreographed by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Harrison Ball with costumes by fashion designer Zac Posen. Most recently Ms. Kowroski won an Emmy as Creative Director for New Jersey Ballet's 2022 marketing video.

Ms. Kowroski became Acting Artistic Director of New Jersey Ballet in November 2021 and Artistic Director in September 2022. Under her directorship, she commissioned two new works by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Lauren Lovette (Resident Choreographer at Paul Taylor Dance Company) and Harrison Ball who incorporated costumes by fashion designer Zac Posen. Most recently Ms. Kowroski won an Emmy as Creative Director for New Jersey Ballet's 2022 Marketing Video and in 2024 Ms. Kowroski was nominated for Director of the Year by Dance Europe magazine.

Ms. Kowroski has danced many principal roles in the Balanchine repertory including, Agon, Apollo, Concerto Barocco, Mozartiana, Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds from Jewels, Prodigal Son, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Chaconne and Bugaku. Ms. Kowroski has had the pleasure of being created on by several choreographers including Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Mauro Bigonzetti, Justin Peck, Peter Martins, Boris Eifman, and Helgi Tomasson. She has also had the privilege of working with the great choreographers Alexei Ratmansky and William Forsythe. Ms. Kowroski was a guest artist with the Mariinsky ballet performing Swan Lake in 2003, a mixed Balanchine program in 2006 and 2019. In 1994 Ms. Kowroski was the recipient of the Princess Grace Award and in 2011 she received the Jerome Robbins award. Ms. Kowroski became Acting Artistic Director of New Jersey Ballet in November 2021 and Artistic Director in September 2022. Under her directorship, she commissioned two new works by former New York City Ballet principal dancer Lauren Lovette (Resident Choreographer at Paul Taylor Dance Company) and Harrison Ball who incorporated costumes by fashion designer Zac Posen. Most recently Ms. Kowroski won an Emmy as Creative Director for New Jersey Ballet's 2022 Marketing Video and in 2024 Ms. Kowroski was nominated for Director of the Year by Dance Europe magazine.

Photo credit: John Emerson

THE COMPANY

EMILY BARROWS

YUIKO HONDA

RISA MOCHIZUKI

MICHAEL PARADISO

DAVID LOPENA

SE HYUN JIN

VINICIUS FREIRE

RALEIGH LEDFORD

ARAM HENGEN

ILSE KAPTEYN

LILLI ETHEREDGE JULIAN GOODWIN-FERRIS

THE COMPANY

DENISE PARUNGAO

ABIGAIL ROBISON

ANDY SOUSA

EUNICE SUBA

JOSHUAN VAZQUEZ

APPRENTICES

Photo credit: Irina Leoni

CATHERINE WHITING

BRIAN SEVILLA

FELIPE VALENTINI

BEHIND THE SCENES

Company Founder………………...........................................................................................................Carolyn Clark

Choreography Act I, Scene 1 & 2…………………...............................................................................Joseph Carow

Choreography Act I, Scene 3 & Act II…………................................................................................George Tomal

Choreography Act II, Coffee................................................................................................................Eric Trope

Music by.........................................................................................................................Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Scenic Design………….....................................................................................................................Michael Anania

Lighting Design..............................................................................................................................………Paul Miller

Accounting…................................................................……..............................................Topel & Silver, CPAs PA

Bookkeeper.........................................................................................................................................Laura Durso

featuring Twyla

Nine Sinatra Songs

A World Premiere by Harrison Ball

April 24, 2025 at

Tharp’s

New Jersey Ballet Board of Directors

Scott Becchi Chairman

Tom Loucopolos Treasurer

Bea Daggett

Theresa K. Harvin

Danielle Piazza

Cheryl Thorpe

Susan A. Manardo, Esq. Vice Chair

Jennifer Bakshi Secretary

Trustees

Jason Dailey

Susan Head

Elimar Pozzobon

Scott T. Tross, Esq.

Liza M. Walsh, Esq.

Ellen Dec

Michael Kurze

Martin Prentice

Geoffrey Weinman, Ph. D.

Honorary Board of Directors

The Honorable Thomas H. Kean

Ruthi Zinn Byrne

Nina Mitchell Wells, Esq

Michael K. Furey, Esq.

Millie E. Williams, Esq.

The theatres where NJB performs meet ADA requirements. Program information and/or program notes on audio cassette are available from NJB prior to performances upon request. Call 973-597-9600. Large print programs are available at performances.

THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD SUPPORTERS

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

State of New Jersey

Jones Day

New Jersey State Council on the Arts

Scott & Evangeline Tross

Millie E. Williams

PNC Bank Foundation

State of New Jersey

Susan Campbell

Scott & Evangeline Tross

Millie E. Williams

The Kosloski Family Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

DLA Piper

Stephen Reidy

Irene Shen

The Shubert Foundation

Scott & Donya Bommer

Lynn McMahon

Bud Shulman & Amy Newman

Walter & Ellen Dec

P.J. Hilbert

John & Barbara Vogelstein

Scott & Rosemary Becchi

Scott & Donya Bommer

Eric Lee

Bloomberg Philanthropy

Scott & Rosemary Becchi

Donald A. Robinson

The Hyde & Watson Foundation

Thomas & Gale Raffield

Union Foundation

Liza M. Walsh

E.J. Grassmann Trust

John & Barbara Vogelstein

Leslie & Richard Curtis

John & Kristin Kennedy Clark

Achelis & Bodman Foundation

Lynn McMahon

Charles & Debbi Adelman

Walsh Pizzi O'Reilly Falanga

Michael & Angela Kurze

Arnold & Porter, LLP

Walsh Pizzi O'Reilly Falanga, LLP

King & Spalding, LLP

Weil Gotshal Manges, LLP

Stuart & Meryl Coleman

Ropes & Gray, LLP

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP

Paul & Molly Cabral

Union Foundation

E.J. Grassmann Trust

Susan Head

Shook Hardy Bacon, LLP

DLA Piper

Ryan Kinkade

Jennifer Bakshi

Nicole Blomfield

George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust

Susan A. Manardo

Scott & Jackie Alfieri

Jason Dailey

Columbia Bank Foundation

Arnold & Porter, LLP

Weil Gotshal Manges, LLP

Ropes & Gray, LLP

Shook Hardy Bacon, LLP

Larry & Lois Ann Ziemba

Walter & Ellen Dec

P.J. Hilbert

Chris & Bea Daggett

Peter & Tara Speer

Bloomberg Philanthropy

Donald A. Robinson

Tom Loucopolos

Thomas & Gale Raffield

The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation

Schumann Fund

Michael & Grace Palescandolo

Jennifer Bakshi

TD Bank

Haixia Jiang

John Harrison

Jonna Mackin

As of September 1, 2024

Liza M. Walsh

Michael Kurze

Susan Head

Geoffrey Weinman, Ph.D.

George A. Ohl, Jr. Trust

Susan A. Manardo

Jason Dailey

Tom Loucopolos

Geoffrey Weinman, Ph.D.

ABOUT NEW JERSEY BALLET

New Jersey Ballet (NJB) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable performing arts organization that presents world-class dance programming throughout New Jersey. Founded in 1958, NJB embarked on a remarkable journey with a clear mission at its core: to provide New Jersey with a premier professional dance company dedicated to upholding the highest standards of quality and artistry. Over the course of six decades, NJB’s Founder, Carolyn Clark, strived to have the Company achieve the highest level of artistic excellence with unwavering dedication. The organization became a beacon of culture in New Jersey, introducing the art of ballet to countless public school students and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. The impact of NJB reached far beyond the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its audiences. As NJB celebrated its illustrious sixty-year history, it marked not the end but a new beginning. A visionary plan was set in motion to reposition NJB for the future, building upon the solid foundation laid by the Company’s Founder. In 2021, a new chapter began with the appointment of renowned ballerina Maria Kowroski, formerly of the New York City Ballet, as the Company's new Artistic Director. Under her artistic leadership and expansive vision, NJB's repertory has expanded significantly, featuring works by iconic choreographers including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck and Twyla Tharp, as well as commissioning new works by emerging talents, ensuring that the legacy of New Jersey Ballet would continue to thrive and inspire for generations to come. Additionally, New Jersey Ballet School, the official school of New Jersey Ballet Company, trains hundreds of students and is in the process of expanding its dance education program to provide the highest level of training for students of all ages.

www.tri-countyortho.com

Open Youth Summer Intensive June 30 to July 3, 2025 (Ages 8-13)*

*Audition is not required

CONDUCTOR

CONSTANTINE KITSOPOULOS has established himself as a dynamic conductor known for his ability to work in many different genres and settings. He is equally at home with opera, symphonic repertoire, film with live orchestra, music theatre and composition. His work has taken him all over the world where he has conducted the major orchestras of North America, the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Tokyo Philharmonic.

In addition to Kitsopoulos’ engagements as guest conductor, he is music director of the Festival of the Arts Boca and general director of Chatham Opera. He is general director of the New York Grand Opera and is working with the company to bring opera, free and open to the public, back to New York’s Central Park.

Highlights of previous seasons include return engagements with the Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and New York Philharmonic. Kitsopoulos also conducted Leonard Bernstein’s Candide at Indiana University Opera Theatre.

Kitsopoulos’ has developed semi-staged productions of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, for which he has written a new translation, Don Giovanni and La Bohème He has conducted IU Opera Theatre’s productions of Mass, Falstaff, Die Fledermaus, A View from the Bridge, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Most Happy Fella, South Pacific, Oklahoma, The Music Man and The Last Savage. He was assistant chorus master at New York City Opera from 1984–1989.

On Broadway Kitsopoulos has been music director of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess (cast album on PS Classics), A Catered Affair (cast album on PS Classics), Coram Boy, Baz Luhrmann’s Production of Puccini’s La Bohème (cast album on DreamWorks Records), Swan Lake and Les Misérables. He was music director of ACT’s production of Weill/Brecht’s Happy End and made the only English language recording of the piece for Sh-K-Boom Records.

Kitsopoulos studied piano with Marienka Michna, Chandler Gregg, Edward Edson and Sophia Rosoff. He studied conducting with Semyon Bychkov, Sergiu Commissiona, Gustav Meier and his principal teacher Vincent La Selva.

About New Jersey Symphony

New Jersey Symphony is a GRAMMY and Emmy Award-winning orchestra. Under the direction of the Music Director Xian Zhang, the Symphony performs more than 60 concerts at mainstage venues across the state, including Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Red Bank and Morristown as well as schools and public spaces statewide. Programming at the Symphony reflects an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while providing students across the state unparalleled opportunities to achieve musical excellence through its Youth Orchestra and other outreach programs. In 2024, the Symphony announced it would continue to deliver its statewide activities from a new, permanent office, rehearsal and concert space in Jersey City, set to open in 2026.

Connect with us

Follow NJ Symphony on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X and YouTube

For more information about the New Jersey Symphony, visit njsymphony.org or email information@njsymphony.org. Tickets are available for purchase by phone 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476) or on the Symphony’s website.

The New Jersey Symphony’s programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, along with many other foundations, corporations and individual donors.

XIAN ZHANG MUSIC DIRECTOR, THE JAQUA FOUNDATION CHAIR

FIRST VIOLIN

Eric Wyrick, Concertmaster, The Dottie Litwin Chair

Brennan Sweet, Associate Concertmaster, The Elin Heine Mueller Chair

David Southorn, Assistant Concertmaster

Adriana Rosin, Assistant Concertmaster

Naomi Youngstein

James Tsao

Xin Zhao

Darryl Kubian

SECOND VIOLIN

Francine Storck, Principal, The Dr. Merton L. Griswold, Jr. Chair

Ming Yang, Acting Assistant Principal Second Violin

Debra Biderman

John Connelly

Ann Kossakowski

Alexandra Neglia

Héctor Falcón

VIOLIN

Bryan Hernandez-Luch

Wendy Y. Chen

Maya Shiraishi

JoAnna Farrer

Fatima Aaziza

Youngsun Kim

Helen Vassiliou

Theirry de Lucas Neves*

VIOLA

Frank Foerster, Principal, The Margrit McCrane Chair

Elzbieta Weyman, Assistant Principal

Martin Andersen

Christine Terhune

Lucy Corwin

Henry Kao

Brett Deubner

David Blinn

Michael Stewart

CELLO

Jonathan Spitz, Principal, The MCJ Amelior Foundation Chair, in honor of Barbara Bell Coleman

Nayoung Baek, Assistant Principal

Sarah Seiver

Ted Ackerman

Hyewon Kim

Philo Lee

Angelique Montes*

BASS

Ha Young Jung, Principal, The Lawrence J. Tamburri Chair

Alexander Bickard, Assistant Principal

Jonathan Storck

David Rosi

Frank Lomolino

LonFon Law

FLUTE

Bart Feller, Principal, The Edda and James Gillen Chair

Kathleen Nester, Assistant Principal

PICCOLO

Kathleen Nester

OBOE

Robert Ingliss, Principal, The Arthur E. Walters and Marjory S. Walters Chair

ENGLISH HORN/OBOE

Andrew Adelson

CLARINET

Juan Esteban Martinez, Principal, The Roy and Diana Vagelos Chair

Andrew Lamy, Second Clarinet

E-FLAT CLARINET

Andrew Lamy

BASSOON

Robert Wagner, Principal, The Charlotte and Morris Tanenbaum Chair

Mark Timmerman

HORN

Chris Komer, Principal

Andrea Menousek

Lawrence DiBello

TRUMPET

Garth Greenup, Principal, The Amadeus Circle Chair

Anderson Romero, Assistant Principal, Second Trumpet

TROMBONE

Levi Boylan, Principal

Vernon Post

TUBA

Derek Fenstermacher, Principal, The Liss Chair

TIMPANI

Gregory LaRosa, Principal, The Mia and Victor Parsonnet Chair

PERCUSSION

David Fein, Principal

PERSONNEL

Adria Benjamin, Personnel Manager

Naomi Youngstein, Assistant Manager

LIBRARIAN

Tracy Nguyen, Principal Librarian

* Colton Fellow for the 2024–25 season

Program and artists are subject to change. The use of ﬂash bulbs, cameras or recording equipment during the concert is strictly prohibited. All sta and patrons must follow the health and safety guidelines of the venue. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management. Food and beverages may not be taken into the auditorium. Smoking is not permi ed anywhere in the building. Fire notice: The red exit sign nearest your seat is the shortest route outside. The management is not responsible for personal property of patrons. The Musicians and Librarians employed by the New Jersey Symphony are members of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

Gregory J. Supron, Chairman

Marylyn McLaughlin, Vice Chair

Anita J. Siegel, Esq., Secretary & Legal Counsel

Mary Jane Robertson, Treasurer

Allison Larena, President & CEO

Edward W. Ahart, Esq.

Tara Albritton

Susan Brauer

MPAC STAFF

Administration

Allison Larena

Ed Kirchdoerffer

Sasha Pensado

Anthony Scareon

Adrienne Beck

Anna Villegas

Crystal Sotiropoulos

Charles Miller

Box Office

Cheryl Yosh

Jennifer Clarke

Patrick Fragale

Jordyn Cherry

Gail Flaherty

Nazhely Hernandez

Ally Larena

Melissa Montuori

Kathleen O’Donnell

Marlene Rabiner

Ross Weinberg

Mary E. Cobb

Art Corwin

Simone Craig

Kevin Dunphy

Kristin V. Gallagher

Edward A. Gramigna, Jr., Esq.

Thomas C. Jardim, Esq.

Ken Lantigua

Kristin Lynn

Elizabeth A. Mattson

Howard Moseson

Harry J. Riskin, Esq.

Nikki Sumpter

President & CEO

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Manager of Administration & Board Relations

Programming Director

Programming Coordinator

Programming Assistant

Programming Consultant

Director of Ticketing Services

Box Office Manager

Assistant Box Office Manager

Box Office Associate

Education

Cathy Roy

Jenny Boeckel

Julie Dwoskin

Jon Rodriguez

Marketing

Jean Leonard

Michael Dundon

Lauren Soule

Lindsey Fu

Katy Cockrell

Operations

Lee Kaloidis

Erin Pach

Trustees Emeriti

Joseph M. Goryeb*

Bud Mayo*

The Late Stephen B. Wiley

*Former Chairman

HONORARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Honorable

Timothy P. Dougherty

The Honorable

Thomas H. Kean, Sr.

Joe Piscopo

John Pizzarelli

Education Director

Education Manager

Education Administration Manager

Performing Arts School Coordinator

Marketing Director

Audience Development Manager

Sr. Manager, Digital Design & Platforms

Sr. Manager, Branding & Creative

Marketing Assistant

Operations Director and Accessibility Services Coordinator

Michael Del Vecchio

Zachary England

Yasmine Yaghnam

Kiki Foster

David Kennedy

Walter Urban

Gloria Beltrand

Julian Montes

Front of House Director

Operations & Starlight Manager

Front of House Manager

Assistant Operations Manager

Building Maintenance Technician

Facilities

Maintenance

Facility Cleaning & Sanitization

Head Porter

Community Engagement

Kadie Dempsey

Olivia Duho

Development

Community Engagement Director

Community Engagement Coordinator

Marysue DePaola

Justin Wynn

Lana Missaggia

Christina Wolfe

Janell Ledford

Linda Corcoran

Development Director

Assistant Director of Development

Membership & Special

Events Manager

Development Manager

Development Assistant

Capital Campaign Associate

Mery Perez

Jense Petit Vindel

Luis Carrillo

Jenifer Seria Hernandez

Production

Chris Ball

Andy West

Amber Card

Esther Neibart

John O’Krinsky

Jim Sargent

Luke Kostuchik

Dave Cifelli

Rob Kent

Event Cleaning

Production Director

Production Manager

Production Assistant

Catering & Hospitality Manager

Union Steward

Lighting Director

Production House Staff

A1 Audio Engineer

A2 Audio Engineer

MPAC ’ S MISSION

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2024-2025 season is made possible, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous other foundations, corporations, and individuals.

MPAC EDUCATION

MPAC is dedicated to providing exceptional arts education to children and adults of all ages and abilities. Our Performing Arts School (PAS), founded in 2006, is a performance-based theatrical training program which serves approximately 700 students per year with over 20 classes a week within a supportive and creative atmosphere. Stay in the know!

Visit us at MayoArts.org/PAS.

Visit: MayoArts.org/the-miracle-project MPAC is proud to offer The Miracle Project™ New Jersey, a fully inclusive program for children with autism and other specific needs.

Major support for The Miracle Project™ at MPAC is provided by Bruce I. Jacobs and Kenneth N. Levy of Jacobs Levy Equity Management.

Open Gallery Hours:

Every Tuesday, 12 PM - 2 PM

MPAC’s Starlight and Art Upstairs Galleries showcase visual artists from a variety of mediums. www.MayoArts.org/visitor-info/art-galleries

The Art Upstairs Gallery is a gift of the John and Margaret Post Foundation. The Starlight Gallery is a gift of Wendy and Jay Birnbaum.

Ba s h o w s t o p p e r .