Axelrod’s Contemporary Ballet Theater presents “The Nutcracker Rocks”

(DEAL PARK, NJ) — Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater (AXCBT) returns to the Axelrod Performing Arts Center December 11-19 for its series of “The Nutcracker rocks, a family favorite annual holiday tradition. This contemporary adaptation of the ballet was designed by AXCBT’s artistic director, Gabriel Chajnik. Based on Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, “The Nutcracker Rocks,” features a revamped rock score by Alex Levine and Alex Rosamilia of The Gaslight Anthem. The Gaslight Anthema popular rock band from New Jersey originally from New Brunswick.

Playing the lead role of Uncle Dross is Broadway’s Josh Canfield, once a cast member of NBC’s Survivor. “I was so excited that I was asked to join ‘The Nutcracker Rocks’ at Axelrod, because to be honest, I never thought I’d be in The Nutcracker for the very obvious reason that I don’t I’m not a ballet dancer. But Gabriel, our director, did an amazing job with the writers of the book to improve the story… Add some fun additions to the Gaslight Anthem score and I can guarantee audiences are ready for a real holiday treat that will be fun and festive for the whole family.

With an updated script by Reuben Jackson and Jason Cohen, “The Nutcracker Rocks” follows a bored teenager, Clara, who must endure her family’s posh holiday party on the Upper East Side until her eccentric uncle Dross shows up with his rock music, magic toys, and a special gift for Clara. He then transports Clara to a magical land – the Jersey Shore – where the traditional Land of Sweets is a candy store in Asbury Park.

Other Jersey Shore contributors include associate choreographer Dylan Pearce (Point Pleasant), whose credits include assistant choreographer for the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” Other collaborators include costume designer Jose Solis and set designer Fred Sorrentino.

The fully staged and costumed production features the company’s professional members and AXCBT apprentices. “The Nutcracker Rocks” runs from December 11-19.

*All audience members (12 and over) must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time. Masks are still required in the arts center. Tickets range from $48 to $56, with exclusive student discounts. Group rates are also available for groups of ten or more.

Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal Park, New Jersey. Handicapped accessible and offers ample free parking on site.

Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater is a program of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center with performances at the Axelrod PAC located in Deal Park, NJ, and Bell Works in Holmdel. The Axelrod PAC produces a series of professional theater productions per year, including musicals, concerts and student productions. A 501c3 organization, the Axelrod PAC receives major funding for its programs from the NJ State Arts Council.