THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER Opens Tonight at The Growing Stage

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey is proud to present the holiday classic THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER from tonight, November 21st through December 21st with performances Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM.

THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER is adapted from the story by E.T.A. Hoffman that later inspired the ballet created by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with a book by Stephen L. Fredericks & Perry Kroeger. THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage's Executive Director with choreography by Jillian Petrie.

THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER is The Growing Stage's original adaptation which transforms the classic holiday ballet into a fully formed theatrical production laced with the music of Tchaikovsky. The mysterious Uncle Drosselmeir brings his niece, Clara, a very special gift, a Nutcracker. After the family has gone to bed, Clara sneaks downstairs to see her gift. As the clock chimes twelve, the adventure begins! Clara and the Nutcracker, who is really a prince, journey through the Land of Sweets, battle an army of mice, sail on the Lemonade Sea, rescue the Sugar Plum Fairie and finally reclaim the Prince's crown from the Dowager Mouse Queen and her inept son. It's a delicious holiday treat for the entire family!

THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER features the talents of five professional equity performers in the cast. Steven Etienne of Belvidere and Lucas Pinner of Rahway, last seen in Disney's The Little Mermaid as Sebastian and Grimsby, play the Nutcracker and Uncle Drosselmeir respectively; Lori B. Lawrence of Hackettstown, last seen in The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel, plays Grandma and Madam Mouserinks; Danny Campos, who played the title character in The Secret Life of Hubie Hartzel plays Captain Stahlbaum and Admiral of the Lemonade Sea; Jerielle Morwitz, who appeared in last season's Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical plays Frau Yunquist and the Queen of Ice. Rounding out the cast are twenty two young performers and community artists.

Enhance your theatergoing experience with pre and post show-activities. Join us Friday, December 5th for a post-show talkback session with the playwrights and director. Also, on Saturday, December 13th, join our company choreographer for a Pre-show Dance Workshop. Additional fee and reservations required for the dance workshop. The Growing Stage continues FUN-tastic Fridays with all tickets $15! Saturday and Sunday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit our website at www.growingstage.com or contact the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.

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