NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, EL SUENO, NUTRACKER and More Set for 2013 Holiday Season at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre

The holiday season is looking bright at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Four special events in December will give families a way to celebrate while they enjoy live performances, dance, and even a sing-along film. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

The month kicks off with a true Kelsey holiday tradition. "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" captures the excitement of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus. Family audiences will warm to The Kelsey Players' musical adaptation of the famous poem by Clement Moore. Performance dates and times are Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students and children.

Kelsey Theatre becomes a movie house as Theater to Go leads "Annie the Movie Sing-Along" on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to dress up, join in the trivia and costume contests, and sing along with the onscreen stars of the classic film. All movie goers will receive a participation kit to ensure a memorable interactive experience with America's favorite, feisty redheaded orphan. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students/ children.

For two shows only, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre returns to Kelsey Theatre for "El Sueno: A Cultural Holiday Celebration" on Sunday Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. Alborada is New Jersey's premiere Spanish Dance Company, which has built a following at Kelsey with its unique adaptation of the cherished holiday classic "The Nutcracker." Set to live music, Aborada's acclaimed professional dancers and young artists will perform gypsy flamenco, Spanish regional, and dances from various Latin American cultures. It all adds up to an unforgettable dance experience for all ages. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students/children.

Capping off the season is another holiday dance treat for the whole family. The New Jersey Youth Ballet presents its very own hour-long, fully narrated version of the classic "The Nutcracker" ballet on Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21 at 1 and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 and 4 p.m. Dancers in full costume dance to the famous Tchaikovsky score as they transport audiences to The Land of the Sweets. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $14 for seniors, students and children.

Kelsey Theatre is an official drop-off site for the Marine's Toys for Tots annual holiday drive. Patrons are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy in the drop box located in the Kelsey Theatre lobby. Donations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 17.

Tickets for all shows may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333 or online at www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available next to the theater.

Pictured: ElSuenoDance - Celebrate the holiday season with song, dance, poetry and film at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre. Alborada, New Jersey's premier Spanish Dance Company, presents "El Sueno: A Cultural Holiday Celebration" for two shows only on Dec. 15.

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