Roxey Ballet's Nutcracker a Reimaged American Classic

EWING, NJ — This Thanksgiving weekend, the magic returns to one of the region’s premier stages as Roxey Ballet opens its 31st annual production of The Nutcracker at The College of New Jersey’s Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater.

Performances begin Saturday and Sunday, November 28 and 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and continue December 4 at 10:00 a.m. and December 5 and 6 at 2:00 p.m.

For more than three decades, Roxey Ballet’s Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition for families throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This season, the company builds upon that tradition with new professional dancers, new faces from communities throughout the region, refreshed choreographic elements and expanded theatrical details, while preserving the story, Tchaikovsky score and holiday magic generations of audiences have come to love.

Under the artistic direction and choreography of Mark Roxey, the two-act production brings Clara’s magical adventure to life as she encounters mysterious mice, giant rats, marching toy soldiers, swirling snowflakes, waltzing flowers, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the unforgettable characters of the Land of the Sweets.

At its heart, this remains a classic Nutcracker — presented with the scale, artistry and production values of a professional ballet company.

The return to TCNJ’s Kendall Hall Main Stage provides Roxey Ballet with the technical capabilities to present the production on a grand scale. Audiences will experience elaborate hand-built scenery, brilliant original costumes, theatrical lighting, special effects and a large cast led by Roxey Ballet’s professional company artists.

This season also welcomes new dancers and new choreographic elements, bringing fresh energy to a production that continues to evolve while remaining true to its classical roots. Professional artists perform alongside talented young dancers and community performers, creating the distinctive blend of professional artistry and community participation that has defined Roxey Ballet’s Nutcracker for 31 years.

Roxey Ballet has long positioned its Nutcracker as one of the most child- and family-friendly professional productions in the region — a distinction that goes far beyond what happens onstage.

The production is designed to be a child’s first encounter with professional ballet without sacrificing the artistic and technical standards experienced ballet audiences expect. Children can watch Clara’s story unfold, marvel at the costumes and scenery, laugh at the mischievous characters and experience the spectacle of a full professional production — while families are invited to become part of the experience themselves.

And there may even be a surprise visitor from the North Pole. Santa Claus and his jolly friends will make a special appearance during the production, adding another touch of holiday magic to an already festive afternoon.

Families can make their visit an even bigger experience through Roxey Ballet’s special pre- and post-performance activities. Children ages 4–10 can arrive early for a Pre-Performance Nutcracker Workshop, where they can dance with select characters, discover the story and create movement inspired by Tchaikovsky’s iconic music.

After the curtain comes down, the magic continues with a Post-Performance Autograph Experience, giving young audience members an opportunity to meet and collect autographs from many of the characters they have just seen onstage — including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker, Rat King, Dew Drop, Snow King and Snow Queen, Clara, the Prince and others.

Together, the performance, workshop and character experience transform a trip to the ballet into a complete holiday outing for the entire family.

THE CELEBRATION BEGINS BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Roxey Ballet will launch its Nutcracker festivities before the mainstage performances with its popular Nutcracker “Suites” & Tea Party on Sunday, November 15, 2026, with interactive experiences at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Mill Ballet School in New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Designed especially for younger children and their families, the 90-minute experience brings audiences up close to the world of The Nutcracker. Guests will enjoy sweets, tea, coffee and hot chocolate along with live performances by Roxey Ballet professional artists, photographs and autographs with Nutcracker characters, storytime with the Sugar Plum Fairy and a Nutcracker-themed dance class.

It is an opportunity for children not simply to watch The Nutcracker, but to step inside its world.

MAKING PROFESSIONAL DANCE ACCESSIBLE

Accessibility remains an essential part of Roxey Ballet’s mission. On Friday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m., the company will present a special Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly and School Matinee, designed to make the theatrical experience welcoming to children and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities and other needs.

The adapted performance incorporates modifications to sound and lighting and provides a more relaxed theater environment, allowing families who may not otherwise feel comfortable attending a traditional theatrical performance to experience the magic of The Nutcracker together.

It reflects a philosophy Roxey Ballet has carried throughout its history: professional artistic excellence and accessibility do not have to be separate ideas.

A 31-YEAR HOLIDAY TRADITION — AND A NEW CHAPTER

The 2026 production represents more than another presentation of a holiday favorite. Roxey Ballet’s return to TCNJ marks a significant chapter for a company that has spent more than three decades building professional dance in the New Jersey–Pennsylvania region. After more than five years away from the TCNJ stage — years that included the pandemic shutdown and the devastating impact of Hurricane Ida — the company returns with a production built for a major theatrical stage.

For longtime audiences, it is the return of a tradition. For children seeing The Nutcracker for the first time, it may be the beginning of one. And for Roxey Ballet, it is an opportunity to demonstrate what has sustained the company for 31 seasons: professional artistry, imagination, community and the belief that extraordinary dance should be an experience everyone can share.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Roxey Ballet’s American Holiday Classic — The Nutcracker

TCNJ Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater

2000 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08628

Saturday, November 28 — 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 29 — 2:00 p.m.

Friday, December 4 — 10:00 a.m. — Relaxed/Sensory-Friendly & School Matinee

Saturday, December 5 — 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 6 — 2:00 p.m.

Pre-performance workshops and post-performance autograph experiences are available in connection with select performances.

NUTCRACKER “SUITES” & TEA PARTY

Sunday, November 15, 2026

11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Mill Ballet School

46 N. Sugan Road, New Hope, PA 18938

For tickets, complete event information, and special Nutcracker experiences, visit www.roxeyballet.org/nutcracker.

More News from Raritan

• Jersey City Man Charged with Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Other Crimes The reported chat indicated a user in Alabama had directed a child in New Jersey to sexually assault his younger sister.
• Abbott Laboratories Agrees to Pay Over $384 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Infant Formula and Nutritional Therapy Products Many state Medicaid programs also cover and pay for certain powder infant formula.