Wrangling Nutcrackers

Thanksgiving weekend isn’t just the official launch of holiday shopping. It also marks the start of the Nutcracker ballet season. Over the next five weeks, more than a hundred Nutcracker productions will fill SoCal stages with enchanted Nutcracker princes, Sugar Plum fairies, waltzing flowers and dancing mice. Productions range from professional ballet companies to training companies with guest artists to neighborhood dance studios. Ignore jaded critics who tend go Grinch at the prospect of yet another season of the Nutcracker. Instead, join ballet fans who welcome the chance to compare various professional versions (this year including Los Angeles Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Inland Pacific Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, State Street Ballet, and Moscow Ballet) and to survey local companies’ upcoming crop of pre-professional dancers or the charm of a ballet school’s budding ballerinas. Debbie Allen’s Chocolate Nutcracker and American Contemporary Ballet’s chamber-sized Nutcracker Suite offer terpsichorean riffs on the traditional. With productions from Santa Clarita to San Pedro, Santa Barbara to San Diego, Huntington Beach to the Inland Empire, it’s possible to see The Nutcracker without leaving the neighborhood. Even folk who think they don’t like ballet (even Grinch-y critics) find it hard not to be beguiled by the exquisite, familiar Tchaikovsky score and the nostalgic holiday celebration that is the setting for a magical journey.

The following round up starts with some of notable professional endeavors and then a regional sorting.  Apologies for any omissions. Let us know so next year’s round up is even more extensive.

Set in 1912, the Los Angeles Ballet’s Nutcracker is an L.A. original, choreographed by company co-artistic directors Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary, with set design by L.A. artist Catherine Kanner. Now in its 14th season, L.A.’s own professional classical ballet company continues to demonstrate how well it understands this city. This year the company performs in Cerritos, Glendale, Westwood, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood (with a live orchestra), bringing ballet to the audience rather than expecting folks to overcome hours of gridlocked traffic. The superb company dancers have proven themselves a home team to root for. In full disclosure, your scribe volunteered to watch the goings on from a chimney. Info and tickets at https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org. Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Sat., Nov. 30, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at the Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood; Fri., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., Dec. 14-15, noon & 5 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military.  Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Dec. 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, noon, Tues., Dec. 24, 3 p.m., $45-$131. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 28, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 29, noon, $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. 310-998-7782, https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.  

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

Celebrated Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s interpretation of the classic for American Ballet Theatre returns with ABT’s splendid dancers to SoCal. The announced casting includes many of ABT’s top stars including local alum Misty Copeland on Dec. 15, 18 and 21 evening.(Current casting for leads at http://scfta.org.). Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec 15 & 22, 12:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., Wed.-Fri., Dec. 18-20, 7 p.m., $29-$209. 714-556-2787, https://www.scfta.org/events/2019/the-nutcracker.

American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford.
American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Doug Gifford.

Choreographer Laurence Blake and artistic director Victoria Koenig created Inland Pacific Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker that has become an Inland Empire tradition. IPB’s professional dancers are joined by students from IPB’s respected ballet academy. Three Friday performances on Dec. 6, 13, and 20 are devoted to its popular Nutty Nutcracker. Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Fri., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec 1 & 8, 2 p.m.,  Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Fri., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m., $29-$69, discounts for seniors & children 12 & under. 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

For two decades, Moscow Ballet has brought its touring version titled Great Russian Nutcracker to approximately 50 cities during November and December. This Russian company stops off at four SoCal venues. The cast of 40 includes international ballet competition winners. The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 21, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $40-$250. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Tues., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., $40-$90. https://www.mccallumtheatre.com.  Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Wed., Dec. 18,  3 p.m. & 7 p.m., $27-$87. https://www.nutcracker.com/.

Over the years, artistic director David Wilcox’ version of the Nutcracker for Long Beach Ballet has acquired an array of special effects, performers fly and perform magic. The production boasts a live orchestra and professional guest artists fill the leads joined by students from the affiliated ballet school.  A pre-show luncheon with special photo ops and VIP seating is available for Sun. Dec. 17 (additional charge). Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 p.m., Fri. Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., $34-$115. 877-852-3177, http://www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

The professional dancers of State Street Ballet are joined by students from the associated ballet school in its Nutcracker by artistic director Rodney Gustafson. Live music is performed by Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m., $38-$106. 805-899-2222, https://www.statestreetballet.com.

As part of its ongoing residency at this venue, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet brings its Nutcracker. With barely a dozen dancers, this visitor gets some local help with more than 70 children from Los Angeles Youth Ballet and students from USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance augmenting the company dancers. The Soraya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., Dec. 7, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m.,  $49-$109. 818-677-3000, https://www.thesoraya.org/.

Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Fans of Debbie Allen have a chance to see her perform in Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, her version of the holiday classic. Carlos Imperato, Raven Symoné, Tichina Arnold, Mathew Johnson and DADA also star, backed by dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 8, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 9, 2 p.m., $60-$110. http://www.HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

American Contemporary Ballet. Photo by Victor Demarchelier.
American Contemporary Ballet. Photo by Victor Demarchelier.

Two years ago, American Contemporary Ballet debuted The Nutcracker Suite, a one hour, immersive experience. ACB returns at a new venue with even more shows. Metropolis Los Angeles, 877 S. Francisco St., Upper Level, downtown; Fri., Nov. 29 & Dec. 6, 13, & 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 30 & Dec 7, 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun. Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 5, 12, & 19, 8 p.m., Mon., Dec. 23, 8 p.m.,Tues., Dec 24, 1 p.m. $55-$137. https://www.acbdances.com.

Here’s where to find the Nutcracker throughout Southern California:

     Metro Los Angeles

Los Angeles Ballet – UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood; Fri., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., Dec. 14-15, noon & 5 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military.  Also at Dolby Theatre (with the Los Angeles Ballet Orchestra), Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Dec. 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, noon, Tues., Dec. 24, 3 p.m., $45-$131. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 28, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 29, noon, $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Sat., Nov. 30, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at the Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at 310-998-7782, https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

Moscow Ballet – The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 21, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $40-$250. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Tues., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., $40-$90. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com. Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Wed., Dec. 18, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., $27-$87. https://www.nutcracker.com/.

American Contemporary Ballet -Metropolis Los Angeles, 877 S. Francisco St., Upper Level, downtown; Fri., Nov. 29 & Dec. 6, 13, & 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 30 & Dec 7, 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Sun. Dec. 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2 p.m. & 5 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 5, 12, 19, 8 p.m., Mon., Dec. 23, 8 p.m.,Tues., Dec 24, 1 p.m. $55-$137. https://www.acbdances.com.

Westside Ballet. Photo by Todd Lechtick.
Westside Ballet. Photo by Todd Lechtick.

Westside Ballet – Yvonne Mounsey and Rosemary Valaire, the late founders of this admired training company created a Victorian Christmas card version of the Nutcracker. Professional guests share the stage with student dancers and the Santa Monica College Symphony provides live music. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica; Sat.-Sun., Nov. 30-Dec. 1 & Dec. 7-8, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Fri., Dec. 6, 7 p.m., $45.  https://westsideballet.tix.com.  

Marat Daukayev Ballet Theatre and School – One-time star of Russia’s Kirov (now Mariinsky) Ballet, Marat Daukayev choreographed, directs and stars as the mysterious Uncle Drosselmeyer with students from his ballet academy. The last two shows welcome guest artists Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luiz, formerly with San Francisco Ballet. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Dr., East L.A.; Sat., Dec. 7 & 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. & 4:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $42-$67. https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4438528.

Ballet Conservatory West – Smothers Theater, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu; Sat. Dec 14, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., $30-$50. https://arts.pepperdine.edu/.

     Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley

Los Angeles Ballet – Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Sat., Nov. 30, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood; Fri., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., Dec. 14-15, noon & 5 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military.  Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Dec. 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, noon, Tues., Dec. 24, 3 p.m., $45-$131. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 28, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 29, noon, $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. 310-998-7782, https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

Pasadena Dance Theatre – Company director Cynthia Young choreographed this version of The Nutcracker for the students of her well-regarded ballet academy. The Dec. 16 & 17 shows offer refreshments and a chance to meet the heroine Clara at a Nutcracker Party before the performance (additional charge). San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 Mission Dr., San Gabriel; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 14-15 & 21-22, 2 p.m., Mon., Dec., 23, 1 p.m., $22-$68. http://www.PasadenaDance.org.  https://www.pdtnutcracker.com/. 

Red Chair Children’s Production Company – Children age five to 18 take the stage. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 14, 1:30 & 6:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $15-$45. 626-683-3459.  https://alextheatre.org. 

     South Bay & Long Beach

Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker – Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 5-6, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $40-$110. http://HotChocolateNutcracker.com.

Debbie Allen Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Debbie Allen Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Los Angeles Ballet – Cerritos Performing Arts Center, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos; Sat., Nov. 30, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach; Sat., Dec. 28, noon & 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 29, noon, $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at the Alex Theater, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale; Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military. Also at UCLA Royce Hall, Westwood; Fri., Dec. 13, 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun., Dec. 14-15, noon & 5 p.m., $34-$109, 10% discount for children, students, seniors & military.  Also at Dolby Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood; Fri., Dec. 20, 8 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 5 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, noon, Tues., Dec. 24, 3 p.m., $45-$131. 310-998-7782, https://www.LosAngelesBallet.org.

Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.
Los Angeles Ballet. Photo by Reed Hutchinson.

South Bay Ballet – The respected ballet school brings its charming version to Marsee Auditorium. El Camino College Center for the Performing Arts, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance; Sat. & Sun., Dec. 21 & 22, 2 p.m., $36, $24 children under 13. 310-329-5345, http://www.SouthBayBallet.org, https://elcaminotickets.universitytickets.com/w/?search=nutcracker.

Metropolitan Ballet Company – James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance; Sat., Dec. 21, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m., $20, $18 children. 652-685-5403, http://dancewest.org.

Long Beach Ballet – Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15 & 22, 2 p.m., Fri. Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., $34-$115. 877-852-3177, http://www.LongBeachNutcracker.com.

Long Beach Ballet. Photo Katie Bing.
Long Beach Ballet. Photo Katie Bing.

Palos Verdes Ballet – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $38, $28 age 10 & under. 310-377-6663, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=107882.

Classical Ballet Theatre – Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates; Sun., Dec. 1, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., $25, $20 children under 12 years. https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=109251.

San Pedro City Ballet – The studio where American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland trained showcases its current students. Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro; Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $29-$39, $19 seniors & children under 13. http://www.SanPedroCityBallet.org.

San Pedro City Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
San Pedro City Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Pacific Dance Academy – Centinela Valley Center for the Arts, 14901 S. Inglewood Blvd., Lawndale; Fri., Dec. 6, 6 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., $18-$23 in advance, $20-$25 at door. (818) 346-4447, http://PacificDanceCenter.com, https://tickets.shovation.com/ordertickets.asp?p=1846&src=eventperformances..

Elite Dance Studio riffs on The Nutcracker with some ballet, some hip hop, plus jazz and contemporary dance. Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro; Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m., $12-$20. https://wgt.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1161255.

Southern California Dance Theater – Downey Civic Theater, 8435 Firestone Blvd.; Sat., Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m.; $28-$32. 562-861-8211, http://DowneyTheatre.org.

     San Fernando Valley

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet – The Soraya, Cal State University Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge; Sat., Dec. 7, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m.,  $49-$109. 818-677-3000, https://www.thesoraya.org/.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Photo by Sharen Bradford.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. Photo by Sharen Bradford.

California Dance Ensemble – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 2855 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas; Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 1 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., $22-$32. 818-889-8058,https://www.californiadanceensemble.org/, http://PerformingArts.lvusd.org.

Santa Clarita Ballet – College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita; Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $32-$38, $32 seniors & children 10 & under. 661-251-6844, http://santaclaritaballet.net, https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=107330&pr=1.   

Moorpark Civic Ballet – Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center, 28545 W. Driver Ave., Agoura Hills; Sun., Dec. 22, 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., $35-$40. https://performingarts.lvusd.org/upcoming-events/

Antelope Valley Ballet – Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster; Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $25-$30, $15 youth. 661-723-5950, http://www.lpac.org/thenutcracker.php?id=2566.

      Orange County

American Ballet Theatre (Current casting for leads at http://scfta.org) Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa; Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec 15 & 22, 12:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., Wed.-Fri., Dec. 18-20, 7 p.m., $29-$209. 714-556-2787, https://www.scfta.org/events/2019/the-nutcracker.

American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Gene Schiavone.
American Ballet Theatre. Photo by Gene Schiavone.

Festival Ballet Theatre – More than 100 students from Southland Ballet Academy perform in this training company’s Nutcracker. Announced professional guest stars include Beckanne Sisk with Chase O’Connell (Ballet West) on Dec 13-15, Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luis (both formerly with San Francisco Ballet) on Dec. 20-22, Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet) on Dec. 23 & 24. The company also hosts a related Nutcracker Tea, details at https://www.festivalballet.org/. Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine; Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 1 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15 & 22, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., Fri., Dec. 13 & 20, 7 p.m., Mon., Dec. 23, 6 p.m., Tues., Dec. 24, 11 a.m., $45-$90. 949-854-4646. http://www.theBarclay.org.

Maple Youth Ballet – Stephen Morse from San Francisco Ballet guests. Portal High School Performing Arts Center, 1001 Cadence, Irvine; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 21-22, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., $33, $28 children under 12 years. http://mapleconservatory.com/performances-tickets/

Anaheim Ballet – Symphony Irvine provides live music. City National Grove, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; Sun., Dec. 22, 12:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., $25-$45. 714-520-0904, https://www.AnaheimBallet.org, http://www.CityNationalGroveofAnaheim.com.

Anaheim Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Anaheim Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Sunrise Ballet – Servite Theater, 1952 La Palma Ave., Anaheim; Sat., Dec. 7, noon & 4 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, noon, $20. http://SunriseBallet.dance.

Ballet Repertory Theatre – Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 7, 2 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 1 p.m., Fri., Dec. 13 & 20, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15 & 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Mon., Dec. 23, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Tues., Dec. 24, 1 p.m., $20-$25, $16 seniors & under 12 years.714-895-8150 x1, http://www.gwctheater.com.   

Coast City Ballet – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Fri., Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m., $20-$26, $18-$24 children & seniors. 714-963-9771, http://www.coastcityballet.com. 

Ballet Etudes – Huntington Beach Historic Theater, 1905 Main St., Huntington Beach; Sat., Dec. 7, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8 & 15, 2 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., $20-$30. 714-902-9423, https://www.tututix.com/client/balletetudes.

Laguna Ballet – McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo; Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 19-20, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m., $29, $27 students & seniors, $25 children 12 & under.  949-582-4656, http://www.lagunadancetheatre.com/nutcracker, https://www.saddleback.edu/news/arts/Laguna-Ballets-Nutcracker-2.

     Ventura/Santa Barbara Counties

State Street Ballet – Granada Theater, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m., $38-$106. 805-899-2222, https://www.statestreetballet.com.

State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
State Street Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Pacific Festival Ballet Company – The students of this resident ballet company of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza are joined by New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli Theater, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 21-22, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $31-$47. http://www.pacfestballet.org/, http://bapacthousandoaks.com/.

Ventura County Ballet – Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard; Sat.-Sun., Dec. 7-8, 2 p.m., $9.50-$45. Also at Ventura College, 4700 Loma Vista, Ventura; Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., $40.  http://venturacountyballet.com/.

Ventura County Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Ventura County Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Conejo Civic Ballet Company – Bank of America, Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; Sun., December 15, 1:30 p.m., $23-$39. http://www.balletarts.org, http://bapacthousandoaks.com. 

Santa Barbara Festival Ballet – Arlington Theater, 1317 State St., Santa Barbara; Sat., Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., $25-$50. https://santabarbarafestivalballet.com/buy-nutcracker-tickets/,  http://www.theArlingtonTheatre.com.

     San Diego County

Moscow Ballet – Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Wed., Dec. 18,  3 p.m. & 7 p.m., $27-$87. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 21, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $40-$250. Also at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Tues., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., $40-$90. http://www.mccallumtheatre.com. https://www.nutcracker.com/.

California Ballet – A new production of the Nutcracker from artistic director Jared Nelson. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd. Ave., San Diego; Fri., Dec. 13 & 20, 2 p.m. (1-hour version for young children), Sat., Dec. 14 & 21, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., Thurs.-Fri., Dec. 19-20, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., Mon.-Tues., Dec. 23-24, 1 p.m., $15-$91. 858-560-5676, http://www.sandiegotheatres.org/the-nutcracker. 

GC Dance Company – California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido; Sun., Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m., $40. http://artcenter.org/event/the-nutcracker-6/.

City Ballet – Spreckels Theater, 121 Broadway, San Diego; Fri., Dec. 6, 13 & 20, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7, 14, & 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 2 p.m., $27-$92. 858-272-8663, https://www.cityballet.org.

San Diego Ballet – Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Sat., Dec. 28, 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 29, 2 p.m., $49-$134. 619-294-7311, https://sandiegoballet.tix.com.

     San Bernardino/Riverside Counties

Inland Pacific Ballet – Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga; Fri., Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Nov. 30 & Dec. 7, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec 1 & 8, 2 p.m.,  Also at Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Also at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont; Fri., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. (Nutty Nut), Sat., Dec. 21, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 2 p.m., $29-$69, discounts for seniors & children 12 & under. 951-779-9800, http://www.IPBallet.org.

Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo by E.Y. Yanagi.
Inland Pacific Ballet. Photo by E.Y. Yanagi.

Moscow Ballet – McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert; Tues., Dec. 3, 7 p.m., $40-$90. Also at The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles; Sat., Dec. 21, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. & 5 p.m., $40-$250. Also at Jacobs Music Center, Copley Symphony Hall, 750 B St., San Diego; Wed., Dec. 18,  3 p.m. & 7 p.m., $27-$87. https://www.mccallumtheatre.com, https://www.nutcracker.com/.

Moscow Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.
Moscow Ballet. Photo courtesy of the artists.

David Allan’s Nutcracker Choreographer David Allan’s version of “The Nutcracker” will feature New York Ballet dancers Andrew Veyette and Lauren Lovette. Landis Performing Arts Center, 4800 Magnolia Ave., Riverside; Fri., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 21, 1 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sun., Dec. 22, 1 p.m. $18-$45. 800-870-6069. http://brava-arts.org/.

Inland Empire Contemporary Ballet – Yucaipa Performing Arts Center, 12062 California St., Yucaipa; Sat., Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 4 p.m., $25-$30, $20-$25 seniors & children. https://www.purplepass.com/#mm=allevents/yucaipa.

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