Ballet Brings “The Nutcracker” to Middle PAC

COURT HOUSE – When the New Jersey Ballet brings its highly acclaimed production of “The Nutcracker” to the Performing Arts Center of Middle Township on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m., there will be a special reason to celebrate the occasion.
Not only will it open the holiday season for The PAC, but it also will mark the 20th year that the professional dance company will perform “The Nutcracker” at the center, which in December will be celebrating its own 21st anniversary. It will also be the 43rd anniversary of the ballet company’s initial production of “The Nutcracker” which has been seen by more than a million fans at 800 performances.
“It has had the longest run of any attractions we have offered here and that speaks well of its quality and popularity,” said Kay Aspell, managing director of The PAC. “One of the goals set by the PAC’s founders in the original mission statement was to elevate the opportunities for cultural enrichment in Cape May County. The New Jersey Ballet has certainly contributed to that achievement.”
The New Jersey Ballet, featuring a cast of 20 professional dancers from Europe, Asia and the United States, has chosen The PAC to open its state-wide tour of 13 performances that extends from Cape May to Bergen Counties. Many of the dancers have performed with renowned American companies such as the Los Angeles, Carolina, Pennsylvania and ST. Louis ballets.
Featured in The PAC performance again are local students from the Art of Gymnastics and Cheer. They have performed the roles of Mother Ginger’s Clown Children for several years and have been enthusiastically received by audiences each year.
The performance will be enhanced by eye-popping special effects, colorful costumes and the magic of the theatre.
Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for senior citizens, $15 for students and $12 for children ten and under. Call 609/463-1924 for tickets. The Performing Arts Center is situated at 212 Bayberry Drive, Cape May Court House, one mile east of Exit 10 of the Garden State Parkway. There is free parking on the premises.