New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker is the longest running original professional production in the state. The production debuted in Millburn in 1971 with international star of New York City Ballet Edward Villella as the Cavalier. Since then, the company has given approximately 800 performances in theatres throughout New Jersey, with more than 5,000 dancers and children, and over a million viewers. Many in the audience who saw the production as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see this cherished holiday tradition. New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker at MPAC will feature the New Jersey Symphony. When the curtain rises, audiences in Morristown can expect the eye-popping special effects, brilliant dancing, glorious costumes, and the magic and pantomime that has inspired critics to call it “A spectacle that never seems to age…magic that should go on and on,” and “One of the best…as good as it gets.” Photo by VAM Productions