BWW Reviews: The NUTCRACKER by ARB in NJ through 12/21, A Holiday Tradition

A delightful holiday treat is now being presented by American Repertory Ballet (ARB). Their annual production of The Nutcracker is being staged at venues throughout the Garden State through December 21st. Whether or not you have seen this classic ballet before, be assured it is more spectacular than ever. It is a family friendly production that is sure to please.

We attended the matinee kick-off performance at the Main Stage of the Union County Performing Arts Center (UC PAC) on November 22nd. Even the youngest members of the audience were completely enthralled by the pageantry of this beloved ballet with Tchaikovsky's wonderful music.

The ARB's Artistic Director, Douglas Martin has once again made magic with his inventive choreography and flawless direction. The creative team brings the world of The Nutcracker to life with lighting design by Christopher Chambers, costume design by Lowell A. Mathwich and Gina Ricca, and scenic design by James Wold, Carl Sprague and Ron Czyzewski.

From the festive holiday gathering in the first scene to the elaborate final moments of the show, the ARB showcases the remarkable talent of their renowned company. They also display the proficiency of their young trainees who dance parts that include the party children and soldiers.

The story of The Nutcracker is universally appealing. Clara's beloved toy becomes the center of a magical adventure that transports the audience to the scene of an exciting battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker, to the Land of the Snow and to the Land of the Sweets.

Monica Giragosian as the Snow Queen and Cameron Auble-Branigan as the Snow King are captivating in final scene of the first act. In the second act, Alexander Dutko dances the Chinese Lead and stuns with the grace and athleticism that is a hallmark of the ARB. And Shaye Firer as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Marc St-Pierre as the Cavalier are absolutely enchanting.

The Nutcracker by American Repertory Ballet is one of the finest dance productions metropolitan area audiences will be offered this season. To learn more about future performances of The Nutcracker in New Jersey visit www.arballet.org/nutcracker. You can also follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo: George Jones

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