State Theatre presents American Repertory Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

(New Brunswick, NJ) -— State Theatre presents American Repertory Ballet's The Nutcracker for four performances—Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 1pm and 4:30pm; and Sunday, December 19, 2010 at 1pm and 4:30pm. This classic family holiday ballet stars the professional artists of American Repertory Ballet (ARB) and students from ARB's Princeton Ballet School. This performance also includes a live orchestra. Tickets range from $32-57.

This year's production features new choreography by Company Director Douglas Martin, and a restored Victorian-era Act I, originally created for the company by Princeton Ballet School founder Audrée Estey in 1963. Set to Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, and featuring a cast of over 100 performers, the professional artists of American Repertory Ballet and students from Princeton Ballet School will tell the classic story of a young girl and how a mysterious gift brings about enchanted dreams and fantastical scenes. This year marks American Repertory Ballet's 48th annual season of The Nutcracker in theaters throughout New Jersey this holiday.

About American Repertory Ballet

American Repertory Ballet's mission is to bring the joy, beauty, artistry and discipline of classical and contemporary dance to New Jersey and nationwide audiences and to dance students through artistic and educational programs. The organization is comprised of: the American Repertory Ballet professional company, the preeminent classical and contemporary ballet company in the state; the Princeton Ballet School, one of the largest and most respected non-profit dance schools in the nation; and the Education and Outreach initiatives, including the long-running and acclaimed DANCE POWER program. The professional company is a classical and contemporary ballet company committed to presenting ballets from the 19th and 20th century alongside new and existing works by choreographers from today. The company is now in its 37th Season and is currently under the artistic leadership of Douglas Martin, former principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Saturday 1pm to 5pm; and at least one hour prior to curtain on performance dates. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517.