(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- bergenPAC announces one of the great cultural treasures and the longest-running original production in New Jersey, New Jersey Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” for four showings on December 3 and 4. Coming in 2023, Lightwire Theater brings their brand of theater and electroluminescent artistry to tell the classic story of “The Tortoise and The Hare” and introducing the next chapter of the story with their children on a new, wild adventure in “The Adventures of The Tortoise and The Hare: The Next Gen” on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 1:00pm. Last but not least, the hardest working man in show business, Jay Leno, makes his long overdue return to the bergenPAC on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 8:00pm.  

Tickets for New Jersey Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” Lightwire Theater’s “The Adventures of The Tortoise and The Hare: The Next Gen,” and Jay Leno go on-sale Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11:00am. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or call bergenPAC's Box Office at (201) 227-1030.

NEW JERSEY BALLET’S “NUTCRACKER” - Saturday, December 3 and 4, 2022 – 1:00pm & 4:30pm (Four Showings). New Jersey Ballet has thrilled audiences for more than half a century with its spectacular performances. Audiences of all ages will feel the holiday magic when these iconic toys come alive in beautiful fashion and dance to the beloved music of this timeless tale. Many in today’s audience who saw the production as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see this cherished holiday tradition. Tickets range from $29-$59. 

LIGHTWIRE THEATER’S “THE ADVENTURES OF TORTOISE AND HARE: THE NEXT GEN” on Sunday, January 22, 2023 – 1:00pm.  The story begins with Aesop’s classic fable of The Tortoise and The Hare where the “slow and steady” Tortoise defeats the nimble but overconfident Hare. For those who ever wondered what happened after the Race, Lightwire Theater continues the story which finds the two opponents 10 years down the road, now with children of their own and exploring modern day distractions. Smart phones and video games create a new landscape of lost connections to life experiences. The Next Gen features Tortoise Junior and Lil’ Hare in a whole new kind of race, where their adventures lead them into unexpected territory. Old man Tortoise and Big Daddy Hare must come together despite their differences to find and save their children. What hurdles will they have to overcome to make it to the finish line? With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling, and creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this classic tale into a brilliant new light. Tickets range from $24-$39.

JAY LENO on Saturday, April 8, 2023 - 8:00pm. Acclaimed TV late night show host, stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist…Jay Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” Tickets range from $44-$84.

Tickets for all shows are available at: www.ticketmaster.com or Box Office (201) 227-1030

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey. Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat bergenPAC, is the area’s cultural mecca. Housed in a historic Art Deco-style theater boasting one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, bergenPAC attracts a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reach more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, “hands-on” training in music, dance and theater by industry professionals. It is through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons that the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School are able to thrive and enrich our community.