WANAQUE — There is a chill in the air and winter is on its way. Whether the glow in your home comes from Hanukkah candles or the bright lights around the Christmas tree, you surely appreciate that this is a time of year when tradition is everywhere you look. One of the most popular holiday traditions is “The Nutcracker.”
Peter Tchaikovsky’s classic was first presented in Europe back in 1892. You may be familiar with productions by The New York City Ballet, or other repertory companies but the interpretation of The New Jersey Foundation for Dance and Theatre Arts is in a different category and is not to be missed. They have been presenting their spectacular rendition of “The Nutcracker” in the North Jersey area for 23 years. The show is considered one of New Jersey’s finest dance and theatrical presentations with a twist. The “twists” are director Nancy King’s special touches and whimsical additions. “It’s fast moving” she said, “It’s a story that has something for everybody, whether you are a child seeing a ballet for the first time or someone who has seen many performances.”
The opening scene is a musical theater production of an early 1900s village celebration, including holiday vocalists and specially choreographed dances.
“The Nutcracker” begins at the home of Judge Silberhaus, his wife and their children Clara, Louisa, Sabrina and Fritz. The children play games as the party guests enter and the dancing begins. However, all stops as the children's dear godfather, Drosselmeyer, enters. He is a creator of wonderful, magical things and he has brought presents.
Clara receives a colorful nutcracker. The doll breaks and Drosselmeyer casts a magical spell on the broken nutcracker. The spell begins: great mice appear and are chased by toy soldiers, the Christmas tree grows to great heights, the grandfather clock comes alive, and the nutcracker becomes a prince. In this production, the mice are acrobats, the soldiers tap dance, the tree grows, snow falls and the fight scene is performed with real swords.
Guest artist and alumnus of The King Centre, Casey Garvin will return to perform the roles of The Cavalier and The Snow King.
The role of Clara will be shared by Jocelyn Geisel of West Milford, and Rachel Muhleisen of Wyckoff. Fritz will be performed by Gus Lindstrom of West Milford and Maya Sullivan of Wyckoff, Sabrina by Katie Muhleisen of Wyckoff and Leah Steiner of Wyckoff, and Louisa by Gianna Incorvaia of Oakland and Leigha Thompson of Wanaque. Ashley Tetens will perform the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy. She is a resident of Ringwood and a member of the American Youth Dance Company. The Prince will be played by Delaney Roark of Mahwah.
Performances will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2 and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. at Lakeland Regional High School, 205 Conklintown Road, Wanaque. Tickets are $20 general admission; all seats are reserved seating. To purchase tickets, visit www.shovation.com or call 1-844-732-4825.