'The Nutcracker' lights the stage at Stockton PAC

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP - The iconic ballet of a little girl and her nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve will return to Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center for three magical performances Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14.

The Atlantic City Ballet's performances of “The Nutcracker” are a cherished holiday tradition at Stockton. Audiences will embark on a wonderous journey through the Kingdom of Snow and Land of the Sweets. Performances include 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14.  

Tickets are $40 for the general public, $38 for senior citizens (65+) and military, $35 for Stockton alumni, $18 for children under 12 and $12 for Stockton students. 

The show is one of several university concerts open to the public for the holidays, including:

• “A Maccabeats Hanukkah” 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the PAC featuring the a cappella group singing an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs. Tickets range from $12 to $25.
• The Stockton Oratorio Society will perform a rendition of Handel’s “Messiah” 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. Tickets are $12. 
• Holiday Expressions by the Bay Atlantic Symphony” 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at the PAC featuring soprano soloist Melissa Chavez. Christmas classics will be performed along with music for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to round out the holiday celebration. Tickets range from $12 to $40.
• “A Charlie Brown Christmas Tribute” by the Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward Big Band 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 at the Campus Center Theatre. The university’s resident big band takes on the catalog of holiday hits inspired by the classic Christmas tale. Tickets range from $12 to $15.

For more information about any of these events or to purchase tickets, visit stockton.edu/pac. Tickets are also available at the Stockton Performing Arts Center box office 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 90 minutes before showtime. Call 609-652-9000.