Photo by VAM

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- New Jersey Ballet's presentation of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for 15 performances from December 12-26, 2025. New Jersey Symphony under the direction of Constantine Kitsopoulos will provide live orchestral accompaniment.

The Nutcracker brings together three of the state’s leading cultural institutions – New Jersey Ballet, New Jersey Symphony and MPAC – to present a Nutcracker that is firmly established as New Jersey’s favorite holiday tradition.

When the curtain rises, audiences in Morristown can expect the eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing, glorious costumes, and the magic and pantomime that have inspired critics to call it, “A spectacle that never seems to age…magic that should go on and on,” and “One of the best…as good as it gets.”

New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. It debuted in Millburn in 1971 with international star of New York City Ballet Edward Villella as the Cavalier. Since then, the company has given over 1,000 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey, with more than 5,000 dancers and children, and more than a million viewers. Many in the audience who saw the production as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see this cherished holiday tradition.

New this season is a sensory friendly performance on Friday, December 26 at 1:00pm.  This will be a full production of Nutcracker with some modifications to lighting and sound and atmosphere so that it can be enjoyed by individuals with specific needs.

Performances take place: Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 13 at 1:00pm (limited tickets); Saturday, December 13 at 6:00pm; Sunday, December 14 at 1:00pm  (limited tickets); Sunday, December 14 at 6:00pm; Friday, December 19 at 7:30pm; Saturday, December 20 at 1:00pm (limited tickets); Saturday, December 20 at 6:00pm; Sunday, December 21 at 1:00pm (limited tickets); Sunday, December 21 at 6:00pm; Wednesday, December 24 at 1:00pm; Friday, December 26 at 1:00pm (sensory friendly); Friday, December 26 at 6:00pm; Saturday, December 26 at 1:00pm; and Saturday, December 26 at 6:00pm.

Tickets are $47-99 (All fees included) and are available for purchase online. Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is located at 100 South Street in Morristown, New Jersey.

Founded in 1958, New Jersey Ballet has been committed to presenting and expanding ballet to communities throughout New Jersey and beyond for over sixty-five years. The Company has built a reputation for excellence, offering audiences a rich tapestry of performances that showcase both timeless classics and cutting-edge contemporary works.

Since 2021, New Jersey Ballet has been expanding under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski. Ms. Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet for twenty-five years, brings her vast experience and vision to New Jersey Ballet. Under her direction, the Company’s repertory has grown to include works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Peter Martins and Gustavao Sansano. Additionally, Ms. Kowroski has commissioned new innovative works by Harrison Ball, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and Lauren Lovette, the Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company and former New York City Ballet principal dancer.

Ms. Kowroski’s leadership has elevated New Jersey Ballet to new heights of prominence. The Company has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York for Dance Against Cancer, Kaatsban in Tivoli, New York and Works in Process at the Guggenheim. These performances have not only showcased the extraordinary talent of New Jersey Ballet’s dancers but also highlighted the Company’s commitment to artistic growth and community engagement.

New Jersey Ballet’s long history is marked by a dedication to providing world-class ballet experiences. Through innovative programming, educational outreach and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, New Jersey Ballet continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for ballet in New Jersey and beyond.

Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.