The Nutcracker

PHOTOS BY DANIEL HULSHIZER staff The beloved tale of "The Nutcracker" unfolds Nov. 29 during a dress rehearsal for the Performing Arts Ensemble's recent holiday production of the ballet classic at the Two River Theatre in Red Bank. Clockwise from top: Scenes at the dress rehearsal - Girls and boys at the festive Christmas party reach out as Clara (CeCe Resto) runs by them with the nutcracker toy she has received. The Sugar Plum Fairy (Jo-Anne Chernish) warms up offstage. A life-size toy soldier (Keith Brockett) leaps in the air at the command of toymaker Drosselmeyer (Basil Kotsis). Mayumi Asada, center, performs with other ballerinas in the Land of Snow. Clara reaches for her gift as Drosselmeyer presents her with the nutcracker.