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 Center for the Arts. “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 over 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 and Lambertville, New Jersey companies join the Company's cast of over 75, including children and pre-professional dancers selected from open auditions held in September. Olivia Bellone of Morganville will dance the leading role of the Sugarplum Fairy, accompanied by guest artist Chris Bloom of Ballet Hispanico as Cavalier. Mia Bertodatti of Fair Haven will dance the role of Snow Queen. Caroline Cevasco of Lincroft will delight audiences as the Dew Drop Fairy. Additional guest artists hail from Roxey Ballet and Ballet Hispanico. Isabella Escobar of Little Silver and Michela Saggese of Marlboro will share the role of Clara, while Leah Messina of Red Bank will dance the role of Fritz.
Tickets are available through the Count Basie Theatre Box Office at (732) 842-9000 for the performances on Friday December 10th at 7:00pm, Saturday December 11th at 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and Sunday December 12th at 1:00pm. Tickets are priced at $55, $45, $35, and $25 with a $3 discount (three top price levels) for seniors 62+ and children under age 12. Visit The Basie'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.
