The Nutcracker ROCKS the Jersey Shore

Members of The Gaslight Anthem are putting a modern twist on the classic ballet "The Nutcracker".

The Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is presenting "The Nutcracker ROCKS" this December. AXCBT Director and Choreographer Gabriel Chajnik teamed up with Alex Rosamilia and Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem and their production partner Wes Klienknecht to reimagine Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” score for a new 'Jersey' generation.

Check out this official description:

In the New Jersey version, a bored Clara must endure her family’s posh holiday party on the Upper East Side until her eccentric Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives. Played by Asbury Park singer-songwriter Matteo DeBenedetti, Drosselmeyer shows up with his untraditional (rock!) music, magical toys, and a special gift for Clara—a Nutcracker holding an electric guitar.

Drosselmeyer then transports Clara to a magic land - the Jersey Shore - where the “Land of Sweets” takes place at none other than Van Holten’s Sweet Shop on the Seaside boardwalk. Van Holten’s Sweet Shop has crafted a special candy in honor of the performance, which will be sold in the lobby during the performances.

"The Nutcracker ROCKS" runs from December 20th through 22nd at the Axelrod PAC in Ocean Township (that's the Ocean Township in Monmouth County, not Ocean County). Tickets run $48 to $54, and can be purchased HERE.

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