NJ Ballet presents ‘Nutcracker’ at Mayo PAC
Even audiences with the most casual knowledge of ballet know that each December offers plenty of opportunities to see “The Nutcracker.”
But since it premiered in 1892, the holiday classic has undergone a number of changes. Different companies have revised, condensed, and reinterpreted the work. There are jazz “Nutcrackers,” rock “Nutcrackers,” and even all-male “Nutcrackers.”
Indeed, the work has been adapted so many times that Tchaikovsky could be forgiven for only vaguely recognizing his own score.
At least one company, however, sticks to tradition: the New Jersey Ballet.
Each year since 1971, the company – under founder and artistic director Carolyn Clark and assistant artistic director Paul McRae – has presented a full-length version of “The Nutcracker.”
This year marks the fifth season of New Jersey Ballet staging “The Nutcracker” at the Mayo Performing Arts Center. (The company had formerly presented the work at the Paper Mill Playhouse.)
Clark points out that the number of performances at the Mayo Center has been gradually increasing. This year, New Jersey Ballet will present the work 14 times, beginning tonight.
A key word is “tradition.” “ ‘The Nutcracker’ is a traditional piece, and this is part of a lot of families’ tradition,” says McRae. “It’s a story that’s endearing to both young and old.”
The piece begins with a Christmas party, at which a young girl named Clara receives a gift of a nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. Clara loves the doll, which causes her brother Fritz to break it out of spite.
That night, the nutcracker comes to life as a prince, who leads a charge of gingerbread soldiers against an army of mice. The prince then leads Clara to the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Both Clark and McRae point out that the story of “The Nutcracker” contains different elements – fantasy, mystery, and action - that appeal to different audiences.
“It really is a ballet that has something for everyone,” says McRae.
In addition, Tchaikovsky’s score includes some of his best-known melodies, including the march that opens the ballet, the various dances of the various sweets, and the pas de deux between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
“This is a show where everything came together,” agrees Clark. “You have the music, the dancing, the special effects. It’s everything that makes ballet so special. It all works together.”
Clark says that one of her pleasures over the years has been seeing the New Jersey Ballet’s production embraced by several generations.
“We’ve got people who saw us when they were in their 20s,” Clark says. “Now those same people are in their 60s, and now they’re bringing their grandchildren. That’s beautiful.”
In the same way, some of the children who appeared in previous productions are now dancing in the New Jersey Ballet’s professional company. For example, Catherine Whiting played Clara several years ago and is now one of the professional dancers.
Clark adds that the production has found a home at the Mayo Center. “We’ve become used to the space. Some of the stagehands actually ask to work on our show, which is very gratifying.”
THE NUTCRACKER
WHAT: The New Jersey Ballet presents its annual full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, accompanied by full orchestra.
WHEN: Through Dec. 24
PERFORMANCE
SCHEDULE:
• 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19
• 1 and 6 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 13 and 20
• 1 and 6 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 14 and 22
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
• 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21
• 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22
• 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24
WHERE: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown.
TICKETS: $29 to $59
INFORMATION: 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org.