Clinton Township Newsletter

7 d e c e m b e r 2 0 2 1 908.735.8080 Office 908.310.7226 Cell susanjhall1030@gmail.com Call Susan Hall– Your Kind of Agent! Clinton Township – Your Kind of Town! Susan Hall Broker/Sales Associate 186 Center Street Suite 150 Clinton, NJ 08809 d o n ' t M i S S h U n t e R d o n h i L L S b A L L e t ' S t h e C L i n t o n n U t C R A C k e R Live theater is back! And what is more magical this holiday season than the tradition of seeing The Nutcracker!? This year, The Clinton Nutcracker by Hunterdon Hills Ballet will be bigger and more magical than ever before. Now in its fifth year, The Clinton Nutcracker has picked up right where it left off with stunning talent and local ties, running Friday, December 17 - Sunday December 19th. "We are so thrilled to be back at it again. There is nothing like the experience of live theater! " says Elaine Matthews, Artistic Director and Owner of Hunterdon Hills Ballet. The story of The Clinton Nutcracker is highlighted by the local talent of the Hunterdon Hills Ballet trained dancers ages 3 - 18. It is told with the use of projections that transport you back in time, set pieces that include the bridge of downtown Clinton adorned with toy soldiers, falling snowflakes that waltz in front of our Clinton Red Mill, a Hunterdon County hot air balloon and the show-stopper: a magical, growing Christmas tree! Annandale local Gabriella Scangamor (14) is looking forward to that moment when the Christmas tree grows to over 15 feet tall and mice scurry around her while she sleeps. Gabby, who is getting the chance to reprise her role as Clara, is "so excited to perform this role again. It is definitely one of my favorites because the role is so treasured and beloved. Clara is experiencing such a magical journey. After growing up in Clinton all her life, Drosselmeier shows her the beauty of the world that's out there through his magic." Gabby is joined by Rachel Quiner (16) of Long Valley in dancing this beloved role of Clara. Rachel is also enjoying the moment after being a long time performer as Clara with the Radio City Rockettes. "The feeling backstage right before the curtain opens is one of the best parts of Nutcracker!" she says. They both will be dancing alongside Christopher Bloom of Ballet Hispanico of New York City, who is returning for his fourth year to again partner with HHB as the town's toymaker, Herr Drosselmeier. Both girls are embracing the opportunity! Because Hunterdon Hills Ballet invites professional dancers from NYC to participate in the show, the dancers get an experience unlike no other! Katie Zappetti of Lebanon, dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with Kenny Corrigan of NYC, explains, "partnering and performing with a professional dancer gives us great exposure to the world of dance outside of Hunterdon County. It is such a great experience to learn from a professional, something we would not get at another studio or with another experience. It is a challenge and is pushing me to new goals and limits like no other experience or role has pushed me in the past. It is really making it quite a memorable experience for me in my last Nutcracker with HHB." Katie will be joined in dancing this role by Emily Raneri (18) of Bethlehem and Emma Dorrler (15) of Phillipsburg, all three of whom you do not want to miss! Another local, Benjamin Willis of Pittstown (15), has grown up on this stage with Hunterdon Hills Ballet. Starting as Fritz five years ago, Ben has been given the opportunity to perform a pas de deux (a dancing duet) this year. Partnering with a fellow student as a lead is "exciting because you see different styles and skills being performed in our Nutcrackers and then Miss Elaine helps you work your way up to them." Come enjoy the magic, beauty and talent of The Clinton Nutcracker right here in Hunterdon County! A perfect fit for families and people of all ages, the show is December 17-19 at the Clinton Township Middle School. Megan Lawn (15) of Lebanon, is looking forward to her 5th year of being part of the tradition and shares that "After masks and zooms, being back is a dream. This Nutcracker means so much to us to perform together as a family yet again and share our love for ballet. It is something we will never, ever take for granted. We're looking forward to sharing that with you, from our youngest little mice to our graduating seniors!" For tickets, go to: www.HunterdonHillsBallet.com. Group rates available.

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