Annual CNJBT ‘Nutcracker’ features community performers

Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and other favorite characters from Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker are ready to dance across the stage in Bordentown once again. The Central New Jersey Ballet Theater will present two performances: one on Dec. 9, 2016 at Villa Victoria Theater in Ewing at 7 p.m., and a special first-time community performance on Dec. 11, 2016 at the Carslake Community Center at 2 p.m., sponsored by the Bordentown Home for Funerals.The cast includes 60 students and professional dancers. Many CNJBT students hail from Bordentown and its surrounding areas. Alexa Angelucci of Florence will dance the part of the Sugar Plum Fairy, while Erin Ryan of Bordentown is the Snow Queen. Tanner Hutchinson of Hightstown and Laura Leonard of Florence will share the role of Clara. Katherine Narwid of Columbus is the Dew Drop. Bordentown’s Shriya Varma is the Arabian Queen.Unlike other Nutcrackers, said director Alisha Cardenas, the CNJBT performances are a “complete student production experience.” Students from ages 2 to 18 star in the show.“The community show will be a chance to give back to Bordentown City, a place that has welcomed the Central NJ Ballet Theater as its resident ballet company,” Cardenas said. “I am looking forward to presenting our ballet to a community with a budding arts scene. This might be many people’s first time going to a ballet, and the Nutcracker is a great way to get hooked.”The Central New Jersey Ballet Theater is located at the Open Arts Performing Arts Complex, 146 Route 130, Bordentown. Tickets for the Dec. 9 performance are $20. For the second performance, a $15 donation is suggested. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (609) 424-3192.