'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Opens Holiday Season at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre

Three theatrical events will give families a festive way to celebrate the holiday season at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre in December. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

The month kicks off with a Kelsey holiday tradition. "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" embraces the joy of the long-awaited midnight visit by Santa Claus. Family audiences will delight in the Kelsey Players' musical adaptation of the famous poem by Clement Moore. Originally penned as a Christmas present for his children, Moore's poem has become a cherished classic. The musical features Kris Kringle, his eight tiny reindeer, some remarkably talented sugar plums, and the cutest mouse in New York City. The Moore family and their neighbors will create a magical winter wonderland set in 1822 New York for audiences of all ages to enjoy.

Performance dates and times are Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students and children.

The "Twas" cast stars Ken Ambs as Clement Moore, Diane Wargo as Eliza Moore, Caroline Herbert as Margaret Moore and Caroline Bednar as Charity Moore. John Costello stars as Kris Kringle.

Also featured are Camryn McAuliff, Jillian Ambs, Logan Ambs, Mason Ambs, Emma Behrens, Taylor Bell, Karenna Breslow, Aimee Clark, Hayden Clark, Melissa Clark, Alisa Danley, Katelyn Dimsey, Bridget Godfrey, Freddie Iezzo, Luddy Iezzo, Marla Iezzo, Mateo Iezzo, Matthew Immordino, Courtney Kosman, Fallyn Niedermaier, Alexys Pulsinelli, Abby Scatena, Leif Simonelli, Sofia Staub, Isabel Urban, Tobias Urban, Zachary Urban, Charley Wojtowicz and Kaitlyn Young.

The production team includes director Diane Wargo, music director Pat Masterson, choreographer Danielle Varanyak, and stage manager Ginny McGowen. Lighting and sound is by Bernie McGowen and costumes are by Kate Pinner.

Next up, for two shows only, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre returns to Kelsey Theatre for "El Sueno: A Cultural Holiday Celebration" on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. 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, Alborada's acclaimed professional dancers and young artists will perform gypsy flamenco, Spanish regional, and dances from various Latin American cultures. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students/children.

Capping off the season is another holiday dance treat. The New Jersey Youth Ballet presents its original hour-long, narrated adaptation of "The Nutcracker" ballet on Friday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dancers in full costume perform 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 Monday, Dec. 15.

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.

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