New Jersey Ballet’s The Nutcracker With New Jersey Symphony

Running Time: 2 hours including one intermission

Guest Artist: December 14 & 15 at 6pm – Benjamin Freemantle

Benjamin Freemantle’s career began in Vancouver, Canada, at the Caulfield School of Dance where he trained before earning a full scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School at 15. After joining San Francisco Ballet in 2015, he quickly stood out for his versatility and artistry, rising to Principal Dancer by 2019. Freemantle has captivated audiences in principal roles across full-length ballets and original works, including masterpieces by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jerome Robbins, and Helgi Tomasson.

Since relocating to New York City in 2022, Benjamin has appeared as the lead sailor in Bradley Cooper’s *Maestro*, danced in Twyla Tharp’s work at City Center, and originated a role in *Angel Island* at BAM. He has performed internationally, walked in New York Fashion Week, and been brought in by multiple companies as a Guest Principal Artist. This year, he filmed a feature with Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan and will be seen on Amazon as series regular in a new TV show by the Emmy-winning creators of *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* in spring of 2025.

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.” 

About NEW JERSEY BALLET

Founded in 1958, New Jersey Ballet has been committed to presenting and expanding ballet to communities throughout New Jersey and beyond for over sixty-five years. The Company has built a reputation for excellence, offering audiences a rich tapestry of performances that showcase both timeless classics and cutting-edge contemporary works.

Since 2021, New Jersey Ballet has been expanding under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski. Ms. Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet for twenty-five years, brings her vast experience and vision to New Jersey Ballet. Under her direction, the Company’s repertory has grown to include works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Peter Martins and Gustavao Sansano. Additionally, Ms. Kowroski has commissioned new innovative works by Harrison Ball, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and Lauren Lovette, the Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company and former New York City Ballet principal dancer.

Ms. Kowroski’s leadership has elevated New Jersey Ballet to new heights of prominence. The Company has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York for Dance Against Cancer, Kaatsban in Tivoli, New York and Works in Process at the Guggenheim. These performances have not only showcased the extraordinary talent of New Jersey Ballet’s dancers but also highlighted the Company’s commitment to artistic growth and community engagement.

New Jersey Ballet’s long history is marked by a dedication to providing world-class ballet experiences. Through innovative programming, educational outreach and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, New Jersey Ballet continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for ballet in New Jersey and beyond.

About THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY

The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning New Jersey Symphony is redefining what it means to be a nationally leading, relevant orchestra in the 21st century. The Symphony is renewing its deeply rooted commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by championing new, and often local, artists; engaging audiences for whom the inspiring depth and breadth of classical music will be a new experience; and incorporating the broadest possible representation in all aspects of our organization—all to better reflect and serve our vibrant communities. Since 2021, Music Director Xian Zhang has worked together with composer, violinist, educator and social-justice advocate Daniel Bernard Roumain, the orchestra’s Resident Artistic Catalyst, to offer programming that connects with diverse communities in Newark and throughout New Jersey.

Internationally renowned Chinese American conductor Xian Zhang began her tenure as the New Jersey Symphony’s current Music Director in 2016. Since her arrival at the New Jersey Symphony, Zhang has revitalized programming with an industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in mainstage concerts. In its second century of bringing concerts to the people of New Jersey, the Symphony will present audience favorites including Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, Orff’s Carmina Burana , Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, violinist Joshua Bell leading the orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and pianist Daniil Trifonov playing Gershwin’s Concerto in F. New Jersey Symphony co-commissions include works by internationally renowned living composers—Anna Clyne’s Piano Concerto and Jessie Montgomery’s Snapshots. Composers Rob Kapilow and Daniel Bernard Roumain will present world premieres.