(credit: Festival Ballet Theatre)

Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker

Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
(714) 962-5440
Festivalballet.org

This beautiful, popular production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla. The full-length, professional show is performed at the Irvine Barclay December 14-24, 2012. Celebrate the season with visions of the Sugar Plum Fairy, her dashing prince and heroine Clara, while a cast of more than 100 takes you back in time to mystical lands of old world charm. Family-friendly and affordable, FBT’s The Nutcracker features internationally acclaimed guest artists, professional company dancers and budding young talent from across the Southland. American Ballet Theatre Guest Artists: Stella Abrera, Maxim Beloserkovsky, Irina Dvorovenko, Sascha Radetsky. Joffrey Ballet Guest Artist: Fabrice Calmels. Pacific Northwest Ballet Guest Artist: Carla Korbes. Tickets: $40 adults; $37 seniors; $35 children. Tickets and show information at festivalballet.org

(credit: Los Angeles Ballet)

Los Angeles Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Alex Theatre
216 North Brand Boulevard
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 243-2539
alextheatre.org

Los Angeles Ballet’s celebrated original production of The Nutcracker returns Dec. 1 and 2. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker to the magical Land of Snow and to the enchanted Palace of the Dolls where all of Clara’s favorite companions come to life. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission, and the performance is suitable for all ages. Ticket pricing: Orchestra $95 / $75, terrace $55 and balcony $30.

(credit: Long Beach Ballet)

Long Beach Ballet’s 30th Anniversary of “The Nutcracker”

1122 E. Wardlow Road
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 426-4112
longbeachballet.com

Celebrate the holidays with the Long Beach Ballet’s 30th Anniversary Performance of “The Nutcracker.” The Long Beach Ballet intends to astound audiences this December with multiple performances of The Nutcracker at the Long Beach Terrace Theater on Dec. 15 & 16, and Dec. 22 & 23. The 30th Anniversary production will be accompanied by a full symphony orchestra (the only Nutcracker in Southern California with live music) and promises special guest performances and surprise treats the family will love. The Long Beach Ballet’s Artistic Director, David Wilcox, pulled out all the stops for the 30th production of the classical tale. This production boasts a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, astounding stage magic and a cast of more than 200.

(credit: Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater)

Bob Baker’s Nutcracker

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater
1345 West First Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
213-250-9995
bobbakermarionettes.com

The Bob Baker Marionette Theater will usher in the holiday season with the much requested return of “Bob Baker’s Nutcracker” playing through Jan. 27, 2013. This marionette version of the ballet classic has been one of Bob’s most beloved holiday productions since it was first presented in 1969. Employing more than 100 of legendary puppeteer Bob Baker’s famous marionettes, this family performance features all the characters from the beloved story: Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugarplum Fairies, the Mouse King, and many more in a puppet extravaganza.

(credit: San Diego Ballet)

San Diego Ballet – The Nutcracker

Mandeville Auditorium
9500 Gillman Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92093
(619) 294-7311
sandiegoballet.org

In its 23rd year, this ballet fantasy features a cast of more than 100 beautifully costumed dancers, reveling in Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Join the San Diego Ballet on an enchanting journey through a landscape of Yuletide dreams. Look for leaping Cossacks, flurries of snowflakes and a legion of rats. The ballet is directed and choreographed by Robin Sherertz-Morgan and Javier Velasco. Performances are Sunday, Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Debbie Lavdas is a Southern California writer who also writes for Laguna Beach Magazine and more. Keep up with her at @DebLavdas on Twitter or DebbieintheOC.com.