By John Posada
originally published: 12/20/2021
(DEAL PARK, NJ) -- Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) presented "The Nutcracker Rocks" at Axelrod Performing Arts Center from December 11-19 and photographer John Posada was on hand to take some photos of the show. This contemporary adaptation of the ballet was conceived by AXCBT Artistic Director Gabriel Chajnik. Based on Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, “The Nutcracker Rocks,” includes a revamped rock score by The Gaslight Anthem's Alex Levine and Alex Rosamilia.
With an updated script by Reuben Jackson and Jason Cohen, “The Nutcracker Rocks” follows a bored, teen Clara, who must endure her family’s posh holiday party on the Upper East Side until her eccentric Uncle Dross shows up with his rock music, magical toys, and a special gift for Clara. He then transports Clara to a magic land—the Jersey Shore —where the traditional Land of Sweets is a candy shop in Asbury Park.Â
Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is a program of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center with performances at the Axelrod PAC located in Deal Park, NJ, and Bell Works in Holmdel. The Axelrod PAC produces a series of professional theatrical productions a year, including musicals, concerts, and student productions. A 501c3 organization, the Axelrod PAC receives major funding for its programs from the NJ State Arts Council. Â
About the author: John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
You can have your events appear here,
whenever someone reads an article about
DEAL PARK
click here for more information
New Jersey Ballet Presents Red, White And Blue
Friday, November 13, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJCelebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with New Jersey Ballet in a powerful evening of dance that captures the spirit, energy, innovation and resilience of the nation through the language of ballet. Red, White and Blue brings together iconic masterworks and bold contemporary voices in a program that reflects the many dimensions of the American experience while honoring New Jersey’s essential role in the fight for independence and the shaping of the nation.Â
The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJA holiday mash-up for the whole family,Â
The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier® Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.Â
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and an MC.
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Friday, November 20, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
2026 Princeton Dance Festival
Saturday, November 21, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Berlind Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJThe 2026 Princeton Dance Festival features new and repertory works by nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, performed by more than 60 Princeton students in an energetic program of dances from a surprising range of dance forms. The Festival program includes:
EVENT PREVIEWS
State Theatre New Jersey presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 6:30pm. This is a contemporary dance spectacle that is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The show features a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
American Repertory Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" in Princeton, Red Bank, and New Brunswick
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) invites you to experience The Nutcracker, a timeless story filled with magic, beauty, and the spirit of the season. For more than 60 years, this cherished production has captivated audiences of all ages, enchanting first-time visitors while remaining a treasured holiday tradition for thousands of families. With its breathtaking dancing, unforgettable music, and beloved characters, The Nutcracker continues to create memories that last a lifetime.
