I know it’s cold outside and most of us just want to pull the covers over our heads and hibernate until the spring comes (it’s me… I’m most people). Our littles don’t care that its 15 degrees outside and that it would be so much more fun to down hot toddies in front of the television. So when you have heard for the 15th time… mommy I’m bored, maybe you can bundle those kids and make your way to one of these holiday theater events for a little holiday magic.
NJPAC – (Newark, NJ) Whenever I am looking for something interesting to do with the kiddos, one of my favorite places to default to is NJPAC. They always have great theater performances of all types guaranteed to please all ages. This December they live up to the hype with 3 of my favorites coming up.
The Nutcracker (Dec 14) – ‘Tis the season for sugarplums and toy soldiers! The Nutcracker returns to NJPAC in a sumptuous, traditional production starring Ukraine’s acclaimed National Ballet Theatre of Odessa. The Nutcracker is a favorite of generations of children—and children at heart. This treasured holiday fairytale follows a young girl’s journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes and an army of mice! Tchaikovsky’s beloved score delivers heaps of Christmas spirit: “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Waltz of the Snowflakes” and more. Featuring the original choreography by Marius Petipa with spectacular sets and lavish costumes, this Nutcracker is a truly magical experience the entire family is sure to love.
Hip-Hop Nutcracker (Dec 20 & 21) – Celebrate the season with NJPAC’s original holiday extravaganza, which re-imagines the traditional Tchaikovsky ballet with explosive urban choreography. Featuring rap legend Kurtis Blow as special guest MC. A dozen unstoppable all-star dancers go full-out from start to finish, wrapping the classic story of The Nutcracker in New York City style. Expect twists, turns and tons of fun in this full-length show that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season. Last year, NJPAC’s production of The Hip Hop Nutcracker completed its fifth national tour, spread out across 28 U.S. cities, earning acclaim from critics and audiences from coast to coast. Want a chance at free tickets? Amari and I teamed up with our good friends at NJPAC to give away a pair of tickets! Just head to our Instagram here for rules. I was so excited about this one that I wrote a feature on this production back in September. If you want more details you can check it out here
Cirque Holiday Dreams (Dec 28)– Tired of the same old holiday show? Bring the family to Holiday Dreams, a jaw-dropping holiday cirque! You’ll marvel at the death-defying acrobats, aerialists and daredevils. You’ll be dazzled by holograms, projection mapping, computer animation and interactive lasers. You’ll ooh and ahh at this high-tech winter wonderland that takes the phrase “the magic of Christmas” to a whole new level! Amari and I were lucky enough to check these guys out in there show last year and enjoyed so much that this year I will be taking all of my nieces and nephews!
A Christmas Carol – Bergen PAC, Englewood NJ (Dec 20-22)
Get in the spirit of the season and follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey through Christmas past, present, and future in this classic story. BergenPAC presents this special production. For the first time, local talent will shine in all the roles.Come early to have your picture taken with Santa Claus in the lobby before the show.
Elf: The Musical – Union County PAC (Dec 6-15)
Based on the beloved holiday film, this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest to find his true identity.
The Pixie Dust Presents production arrives just in time for the holidays! Faced with the harsh realities that his father is on the naughty list and his half-brother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Don’t forget to follow Amari and my adventures on Instagram at JustANJmom!
