This holiday season, the Company of Dance Arts (CODA) enthusiastically returns to the stage to present its latest production of “The Nutcracker” at the Count Basie Theatre. “The Nutcracker”, a timeless ballet, has given many thousands their first glimpse of classical ballet. Audiences join Clara and her Nutcracker on a magical journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets to meet the Sugarplum Fairy!
The Company of Dance Arts' “The Nutcracker” is the only area production to feature the choreography of Peter Anastos set to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score along with elaborate Victorian costuming and the famous Christmas tree that "grows". Under the direction of Artistic Directors, Nicholas and Shayne Mishoe, and Artistic Staff Jennifer Church, Sori Gottdenker, Michelle Symos, and Elaenee Nowell, CODA has been performing “The Nutcracker” in area theatres for 30 years. CODA has special performances for school children and seniors and often provides complimentary tickets for the under privileged.
Principals and soloists from NYC companies join the Company's cast of over 120, including children and pre-professional dancers selected from open auditions held in September. Catherine Escueta, of Eatontown, will perform the leading role of the Sugarplum Fairy. Dancing with the Sugarplum Fairy as her Cavalier is guest artist Christopher Bloom of Ballet Hispanico. Tyler Beriault of Farmingdale and Katelyn Konawalik of Lincroft will dance the role of Snow Queen. Guest artists Trevor Miles and Nicholas Fearon will perform the role of Snow King. Anna Soltys of Holmdel and Francesca Poznanski of Middletown will delight audiences as the Dew Drop Fairy. Additional guest artists hail from Ballet Hispanico and Alvin Ailey II. Little Silver residents Hope Goldsmith and Natalie Solon will share the role of Clara, while Alexandria Sulich and Isabelle Zappala, both of Middletown, will share the role of Fritz.
Tickets are available through the Count Basie Theatre Box Office at (732) 842-9000 for the performances on Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th at 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Tickets are priced at $40, $30, and $20 with a $3 discount (two top price levels) for seniors and children age 12 and under. Visit Count Basie Theatre's website for details and to purchase tickets online.
The Company of Dance Arts, New Jersey's premier pre-professional ballet company, serves first and foremost to provide young dancers with performance opportunities that meet professional standards of artistic development, performance values and production qualities. Founded in 1985 by Jennifer James Church, the non-profit company performs The Nutcracker each December and a production from its vast repertoire in the spring.
