Roxey Ballet's American Holiday Classic NUTCRACKER Opens Thanksgiving Weekend

Roxey Ballet presents its 21st annual holiday extravaganza: Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Showcasing an international cast comprised of more than 150 professional, pre-professional and local dancers and actors, this year's performances take place November 28-29 and December 5-7 at The College of New Jersey's Kendall Hall.

"Roxey's Nutcracker is the longest running, most child-friendly version of this iconic ballet presented by Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset and Bucks Counties' only professional dance company," states Mark Roxey, Founding Director of Roxey Ballet. "We are delighted to be a part of your family's holiday tradition for 21 years and counting. Each year we aim to add new magic to the production while staying true to the timeless, accessible story so many of us hold dear." Clara and her friends take the audience on an enchanting journey to meet magical mice, giant rats, marching soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy. According to Roxey, "The Nutcracker is a perfect primer for young audience members new to professional ballet, and more seasoned viewers are still mesmerized by the lavish costumes, elaborate sets, special effects, acclaimed musical score and exquisite choreography."

Roxey Ballet's The Nutcracker features more than 200 costumes designed by Alicia Worden and Nilda Roxey, with lighting design by Jeffrey Goldstein. The performances demonstrate the talents of Roxey Ballet's international cast of professional dancers, complemented by local talent from such communities as Lambertville, New Hope, Buckingham, Flemington, Hopewell, Titusville, Lawrenceville, Pennington, Ewing and Princeton.

"It's always heart-warming to welcome back our home-grown artists for The Nutcracker," explains Roxey, who along with his wife Melissa is the Director of school operations for The Mill Ballet School in Lambertville. "The role of The Sugar Plum Fairy is performed during the opening night performance by Katherine Duffy, a former student who is now a member of Pennsylvania Ballet II. We're also pleased that Tara Seymour, a member of Roxey Ballet and a teacher at Mill Ballet School, will perform The Snow Queen. Both Kate and Tara, as kids from Flemington and New Hope respectively, first took the stage as little mice in our Nutcracker productions, went on to play Clara as young teens and now here they are as professional dancers in the lead roles."

Performances take place on Saturday, November 28 at 1:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 29 at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5 at 1:00 p.m.; Sunday, December 6 at 1:00 p.m.; and Monday, December 7 at 10:00 a.m. The production is 1 hour, 30 minutes in two acts. The audience can expect a visit from Santa Claus and his jolly elves. Princeton Pro Music will be on hand to bright the opening of the Nutcracker with holiday carols and song. A 25 character autograph signing will take placew at the conclusion of the performance.

General admission seating may be purchased online at www.RoxeyBallet.org or by phone at (609) 397-7616. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52.50. Special discounted rates are available for seniors, disabled and school groups of 20 or more.
Kendall Hall is located on the campus of The College of New Jersey at 2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, New Jersey, easily accessible by I-95.
Roxey Ballet is a world class, all-inclusive contemporary ballet company that uses dance to build community and cultural bridges. The company maintains a full schedule of local, national and international touring. Based in Lambertville, New Jersey, Roxey Ballet was incorporated in 1995 as a New Jersey non-profit organization whose mission is to deliver artistic and cultural excellence through professional dance performances, residencies, educational programs, workshops and master classes. The company takes pride in its multicultural and all-inclusive organization, fostering a creative environment of growth for all. Roxey Ballet is fully accessible to those with disabilities.

Roxey Ballet's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Merck Foundation, Bunbury Foundation, Cultural Trust of New Jersey, Hunterdon County Cultural & Heritage Commission, New Music USA, Church and Dewitt, and individuals and businesses.

Prior to The Nutcracker, Roxey Ballet kicks off its 21st season with a dance adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula from October 23 through November 1 at the Canal Studio Theater in Lambertville. Tickets are available at www.RoxeyBallet.org.

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