The Nutcracker has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families over the years. The New Jersey Ballet Company (NJBC) is celebrating its 53rd performance at the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) in Morristown. NJBC performs throughout the state from Bergen County down to Cape May, and it does a number of performances at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
“It's quite exciting that we're the resident ballet company at MPAC,” says Maria Kowroski, artistic director of the New Jersey Ballet Company since 2021 and former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, where she had performed in the Nutcracker many times. “It's a beautiful theater and everybody involved aims to make this holiday classic a performance to remember.”
The late Carolyn Clark, who founded NJBC, previously stated, "In 1971, George Tomal, Joseph Carow and I believed New Jersey Ballet, which was established in 1958, was well-positioned to present this holiday tradition to New Jerseyans. Hence the birth of New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker. Messrs. Tomal and Carow created the choreography, which we still perform today, and the great Edward Villella was our first Cavalier! Today, we have been continuing their legacy at the beautiful Mayo Performing Arts Center”
In this enchanting story, which is set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score performed live by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, young Clara is given a colorful nutcracker at a party, and after she goes to bed, a magic spell takes effect.
In the ensuing storyline, fantastical characters such as giant mice, child-size soldiers, a Sugar Plum Fairy, and of course, the Nutcracker, who turns into a handsome prince, cavort and dance on stage to the audience’s delight. It’s a tale that transcends time, and resonates with people of all ages, sexes and religions. When it’s over, it also lets the audience translate what really happened in their own way.
“It’s up to everybody’s interpretation to decide if it’s a dream [that Clara has] or if it really happened,” says marketing director, Kotoe Kojima-Noa, who has been with NJBC since 2001.
Its heartwarming, uplifting storyline has something for everyone, young and old. “A lot of people, after seeing it for the first time, make attending The Nutcracker a yearly tradition,” says Maria. “I think it's a wonderful way to introduce children to ballet and the arts. Our production has children in it, so I think it encourages them to want to be a part of it. ”
One of their favorite parts, she says, is always the battle scene with the mice and the Nutcracker. Maria’s favorite part of the production is the snow scene, which she calls “magical.”
As a child, she actually played the role of Clara in the Nutcracker. “The music and the scene where everything starts to grow and come to life is really, really, emotional. The music sweeps you away and transports the audience. This is also one of my favorite parts and cherished memories as a young dancer.”
Theatergoers will come away with wonderful memories that they will cherish for years. It’s great entertainment, whether someone is a ballet aficionado or not, and being able to see it at The Mayo Performing Arts Center is a huge bonus.
It’s not only close to home, but very reasonably priced. There’s ample parking and a train station within walking distance for those who prefer to leave the car behind. Plus, since it’s in Morristown, there are plenty of restaurants to visit for a wonderful meal before or after a show.
Whether experiencing the Nutcracker for the 53rd time or the first time, the magic never gets old. “Anybody who's returning year after year will see some changes along the way that will keep them coming back for more,” says Maria. “It’s just a wonderful time of the year and a wonderful holiday production to make a yearly tradition.”
See it on your own, with your loved one, or with your entire family. It’ll be a performance you won’t forget, and you may even dream about the Nutcracker yourself. Or maybe it won’t be a dream at all!
For more information and to buy your tickets, go to MayoArts.org.