Clinton Township Newsletter

2 3 D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 8 T H E c L I N T o N N u T c R A c K E R – N o T j u S T A N Y N u T c R A c K E R ! With the holidays approaching, it is the time of year that families start planning vacations, decorating their houses, buying presents and in many cases purchasing tickets for The Nutcracker- the timeless holiday classic with music by Tchaikovsky that is perhaps one of the most popular holiday activities. But then lies the question… which Nutcracker should we see? Should we bring the family to New York City? Perhaps Philadelphia? This experience can cost upwards of $500 for a family of four, so many people will look to local productions and want to find the best local show. Locals, look no further for The Clinton Nutcracker is about to become your new holiday tradition! This lovely production is performed by Hunterdon Hills Ballet and is one of the best around. For starters, the show uses projections, which is a big trend in theater but rare for The Nutcracker and provides a very fresh take on where the show is set. "It allows us to actually set the show in the town of Clinton, using old pictures and even current ones to make it relevant for the audience," says Artistic Director, Elaine Matthews. "The projections help tell the story using language on the screen as well as a little movie montage to set up the show. I've heard from so many that they didn't know what was happening in the Nutcracker! Sadly, it's true. So we tried to help tell the story, making it more than just the music and the costumes." Because Hunterdon Hills Ballet has used local, downtown Clinton as the setting for the story you will recognize the downtown we all hold dear in our hearts as the story unfolds. The character of Herr Drosselmeyer is a local, eccentric toymaker who shows us his creation of the Nutcracker from the inside of the Hunterdon Art Museum. The toy soldiers that come to life in the middle of the first act step off the Clinton bridge, where they are always displayed throughout the holiday season. It makes this production truly like no other! This year the production is growing, no pun intended, in more ways than one. Aside from adding about 10 cast members making the full cast just under 50 people, the production has hired Tim Shea-a local set designer that is routed in the Broadway Community having worked on the Lion King and other Broadway shows for almost two decades. Shea has designed a 3D growing tree that is lifted by a custom-made air piston and is built using elliptical spheres. "I wanted a 3D growing tree, which is a very big wish if you don't have a big budget. Tim was on board with my vision, designed it and then subcontracted all the necessary parts," details Elaine Matthews. The tree is one of the many improvements to the show's set that Shea is helping with this year with a few more surprises and effects ready to wow you! And then there's the talent! Hunterdon Hills Ballet hires professional males from NYC to help round out the show, but the Sugar Plum Fairy is played by local standout, Savannah Quiner. Savannah is one of six girls in the family of ten, all of whom are extraordinary dancers. "Savannah's talent is far beyond her age. Her control and finesse is something that you'd see in a professional dancer, and rarely in someone who just turned 16. In fact, most people who saw the show last year thought she was a professional!" exclaims Matthews. Savannah's younger sister, Caroline, will dance the role of Clara for two of the shows while the youngest sister Elliana can also be spotted on stage. Clara is also portrayed by 13 year old Morgan Strahle, a rising star who recently spent a summer in Boston at the prestigious Boston Ballet School. And throughout the show, you will be impressed with the depth of local, talented dancers Hunterdon Hills Ballet has found, guided and prepared to present to us a display that will become a favorite local holiday tradition! For tickets, please visit hunterdonhillsballet.com. Group rates and a Nutcracker Tea are special additions that you can inquire about through Production Manager Suzanne Lawn, 908-255-2208. "Christmas will always be as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand." ~ Dr. Seuss

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