Foxborough resident directs "Nuncrackers"

Foxborough resident PJ Terranova first discovered Riverside Theatre Works in Hyde Park as an eight-year-old. He performed there regularly until he was 22, then moved to New York to launch a successful theater career.

Now, Terranova is returning to the theater of his roots to direct Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical, a holiday show filled with family-friendly songs, hilarious ballet spoofs, and audience participation.

The fourth in a series of musicals based on the popular Nunsense characters, Nuncrackers tells the story of a cable access TV special, filmed in the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent. Musical numbers include sing-along holiday classics to the country tune “Santa Ain’t Coming to My House,” and a dueling ballet between two unlikely Sugar Plum Fairies.

Performances will take place December 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., December 8 at 3 p.m., Dec 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. at Riverside Theatre Works, 45 Fairmount Ave., Hyde Park. Prices range from $20-25 for adults and $18-22 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased at www.rtwboston.org or by calling 1-866-811-4111.

Terranova, 41, was one of the first-ever Riverside Students: Founding director Marietta Phinney was his music teacher at St. Anne’s School in Readville.  He played roles in Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Funny Girl and Scrooge The Musical, and also directed and choreographed shows.

After graduating from Emerson College, Terranova moved to New York, where he appeared Off-Broadway as Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense, A-Men! He has also performed in such national tours as Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, The Wizard of Oz and Grease. A gifted dancer, Terranova has choreographed musicals and the opening ceremonies for the U.S. Open in New York.

“It is an absolute pleasure to return to Riverside Theatre Works, where I was taught all I needed to know to be successful in show business...and share my experience with this amazing cast and crew,” Terranova said. “This place will always be home to me.”

The only live theater venue in Hyde Park, Riverside Theatre Works was created 32 years ago by Phinney, who felt that local children didn’t have enough exposure to the performing arts – and started a school in her backyard.

Now located in the historic French’s Opera House in Logan Square, Riverside strives to reach a diverse community through affordable ticket prices, scholarships and outreach programs, all while nurturing the talents of local artists. Many of the theater’s alumni have returned to direct and choreograph shows, and to teach a new generation of young actors, singers, and dancers.

“It’s so exciting to see PJ back at Riverside,” Phinney said.  “He’s proof that we’ve been able to build a community through theater.”