Nutcracker Ballet Returns to the Strand with the Garden State Philharmonic
The Nutcracker is back! After a year-long absence, the Atlantic City Ballet and the Garden State Philharmonic have partnered again to bring this treasured classic to the Strand Theater in Lakewood on December 22, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
The Atlantic City Ballet, a professional ballet company based in Atlantic City, has called The Strand its Ocean County home since first performing there in 2013 with the Garden State Philharmonic. The historic theater, considered one of the most majestic in New Jersey, is the perfect backdrop for the Nutcracker. Although most ballet companies are forced to use canned music for their performances because of budget cuts, the Atlantic City Ballet has been on a mission to reverse that trend.
Alexandria Pieroni, managing director of the The Atlantic City Ballet, said, “The ballet’s founding Artistic Director Phyllis Papa and the philharmonic’s Artistic Director and Conductor Maestro Anthony LaGruth make a great team. Add that to the highly professional staff at The Strand and it’s a marriage made in performing arts heaven.”
The Nutcracker is a classic that tells the story of a little girl named Clara who is given a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Embarking on a wondrous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and the Land of Sweets, Clara encounters many unforgettable and timeless characters. Young and old alike will experience the many magical moments of this beloved holiday ballet.
Pieroni said, “Don’t miss this opportunity to see this holiday classic performed with a full orchestra. It is a night too magical to miss!!!!!”
Tickets are $50.00 to $25.00 for adults; $15.00 for students; and $20.00 for seniors. Group discounts are available. Purchase tickets online at http://www.strand.org. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.strand.org or call the box office at 732.367.7789.
About the Atlantic City Ballet: Founded in 1982, by International Ballerina Phyllis Papa, the Atlantic City Ballet is made up of professional dancers from around the world who have earned national acclaim for their technical expertise and exuberant stage presence.
Although their home base is in Historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the Ballet has performed in theaters all along the East Coast. Their repertoire of original works includes such classics as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake but Ms. Papa is most known for her innovative works, such as Dracula, Caught Up in the Swing and her full length Carmen. Since its inception, the Atlantic City Ballet has served as one of the cultural treasures of New Jersey and continues a tradition of dance excellence for future generations of ballet audiences. For more information go to: www.acballet.org or Alexandria Pieroni (609-348-7201) or apieroni@acballet.org