Barkalow student will perform in 'Nutcracker'

Erika Pranzo, of Freehold Township, an eighth-grader at the Barkalow Middle School, will be performing in the holiday favorite "The Nutcracker" at the Strand Theater, Lakewood, Nov. 24-25, and at the Two River Theatre, Red Bank, Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2.

Erika will be performing the main role of Clara in one of the shows as part of the Performing Arts Ensemble, a nonprofit company which is part of the Monmouth County Arts Council. When not performing as Clara, she will be dancing in various scenes.

Erika has been a member of the Performing Arts Ensemble for six years, and has performed in Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Florida, Hershey Park, Pa., and Six Flags. The ensemble is looking forward to its upcoming performance at Lincoln Center, New York, on Jan. 20.

For Nutcracker tickets and information about the Performing Arts Ensemble, call (732) 671-9655.