CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – When the prize winning New Jersey Ballet brings its professional production of “The Nutcracker” to the huge stage of Middle Township’s Performing Arts Center on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m., there will be several causes for celebration.
For the New Jersey Ballet this will be the beginning of the 47th year that it will present the popular Christmas show throughout the state, from Cape May to Sussex counties. It claims to be the longest running professional show in the state, having debuted in 1971 with international star Edward Villella portraying the cavalier.
For the Performing Arts Center, the performance will come on the eve of the 25th anniversary of its founding on Dec. 13, 1992. “The Nutcracker’” has played at the PAC for 24 years.
The cast features international dancers from throughout the world, and a special attraction will be young dancers from Dance Dynamics who will portray Mother Ginger’s Clown Children in one of the most popular scenes of the show. They are under the direction of Paul McRae who teaches them the choreography and works with local teachers to demonstrate the mood and ambiance of the show.
Tickets are $29 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $12 for children 10 and under. There is free parking. Call (609) 463-1924.