Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Announces 2019 Season

The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater, Monmouth County's newest professional ballet company, announces an exciting line up of ballets for the 2019 season including "Jungle Book," "Alice in Wonderland," and "The Nutcracker Rocks."

A new subscription plan allows dance lovers to enjoy all three ballets with a season discount.

"We're thrilled to announce our first full season of exciting and uniquely fun ballets," commented Elise Feldman, president of the Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater. "Our inaugural performance in of A Midsummer Night's Dream created a tremendous buzz in the local arts community, and the accolades we received show that there is a strong desire for this caliber of ballet from dance lovers throughout Monmouth County!"

"The Jungle Book," running February 2 through 10 is a new, contemporary ballet based on Rudyard Kipling's collection of stories about a boy adopted and raised by wolves, who fulfills his quest for identity, love and belonging. The Jungle Book will feature ballet and contemporary choreography by Gabriel Chajnik and an exciting collaboration with classical Indian dance choreographer and teacher Sudha Shekhar Devulapalli.

The production features a fusion of Bharatanatyam and ballet performed by a cast of professional dancers and talented young trainees, as well as dazzling visuals and costumes by acclaimed designer José Solis and striking masks and headpieces designed by Tentacle Studios, whose clients include Lady Gaga, Kesha, and the Royal Ballet.

"Alice in Wonderland," running August 25-29, is a contemporary ballet based on the Lewis Carroll favorite. Alice sits by a riverbank on a warm summer day, drowsily reading over her sister's shoulder when she catches sight of a white rabbit in a waistcoat. This jumpstarts a fun, whimsical adventure in which Alice, Carroll's celebrated little girl creation, meets a cast of extraordinary characters, from the fierce Queen of Hearts and a bubbly Mad Hatter, to the funny Cheshire Cat and the mysterious Caterpillar.

With an imaginative, eye-popping digital-projection landscape that will transport audiences into Wonderland, this magical story will be told through the imaginative choreography of Gabriel Chajnik and a live orchestra conducted by Jason Tramm.

Finally, in time for the holidays, it's "The Nutcracker Rocks," a contemporary new look at an old classic! Perfect for the entire family, "The Nutcracker ROCKS" is a mixture of high-power music and dance that will transport you to a land of brave toy soldiers and sweet sugar plum fairies.

Based on Hoffman's original story, choreographer Gabriel Chajnik translates the Victorian-era Nutcracker from the bustles and ruffles of the 1890s to contemporary times. Clara's rocker Uncle Drosselmeier shakes things up when he shows up to a distinguished Manhattan holiday party with his electric guitar and his amazing toys, igniting the imagination of people young and old.

The beloved Tchaikovsky score is reimagined in collaboration with renowned rocker Alex Levine, a member of The Gaslight Anthem. The Nutcracker ROCKS is destined to be a Jersey Shore staple for many holidays to come.

To subscribe to the series or order individual tickets, visit www.axelrodartscenter.com or call the box office at (732) 531-9106 ext. 14. Group, senior and student discounts are available.

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, offering main-stage musicals with casts and production teams from New York City and beyond as well as original concerts throughout the year. The Axelrod fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.

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