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.
Performances will be held Friday evenings at 7:30 PM (admission $15 for everyone), Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM (admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children and seniors). Tickets are available at www.growingstage.com or by calling (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Birthday Party packages are available.
The Story of the Nutcracker is an original adaptation by The Growing Stage from the ballet. When was it first produced?
This version was first produced and created by our company in 1996. While not an annual production it is the seventh time we have presented it to our audiences. The last time was in our 2009-10 Main Stage Season.
How say Growing Stage's production different from a Nutcracker dance performance?
We would never attempt to replace the ballet, we wouldn't want to - but what we do hope to achieve is created a complimentary piece that perhaps enhances a family's visit to the ballet and ... hopefully, vice versa. Our version is a dramatized adaptation of the E.T. A. Hoffman tale that inspired the ballet. While dance is a key element in the piece it is not the focal point. Less dance, more dialogue? Or just as much dancing?
What is it about The Nutcracker story that makes it such a holiday tradition for so many people?
I think it is that it is both a magical time of year for both young and old - and a magical story. What child didn't dream of their toys coming to life and having the opportunity to go on an adventure!
As an actor involved in the show, is there a different feeling to the audiences at these shows? Do you notice a bit of the holiday spirit with people? Better moods, more fun?
Absolutely - there is definitely a buzz in the air that doesn't generally exists throughout the year. Like the play it truly is a magical experience. This is also the one time a year a family shares the performing arts together. It is our hope that our work on the stage encourages them to join us for other productions throughout the year.
What do you personally like best about the Nutcracker play?
The humor - it plays on two different levels appealing to both adults and children, which makes it a truly family experience in the theatre. Also, it may be the only Nutcracker version boys will want to see!
What would you like people to know about The Growing Stage and your productions?
As a professional company dedicated to presenting quality works for young people and their families in a beautiful jewel box theatre - everything that we do is aimed at providing our young audiences with the very best, and for our parents an affordable experience that can be shared by the entire family. We're special, unique and like the arts that we are committed to - worth experiencing!
