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Do you remember when you were a child and your parents took you to see the world famous Nutcracker for the first time? I do. I was approximately 8 or 9 years old when my mother took me. I remember getting dressed up in my Christmas best and wearing my little pretty black suede shoes. Everyone in the theater was dressed to the hilt and so prim and proper.
A few years ago, I took Field Trip Boy and Field Trip Girl to see their first performance of the Nutcracker at the Huntington Beach Central Library. It was specifically tailored for children. Field Trip Girl especially enjoyed the ballet and was enamored with the enchanting music, beautiful costumes and meeting the cast afterwards.
In 2019, the essential holiday tradition continues! Join Clara and her beloved Nutcracker as she travels to the Land of Snow, and to the Palace of the Dolls where all of her favorite doll companions come to life. There are over 50+ Nutcracker Performances in Southern California this holiday season. Dates and tickets prices vary. Please see the complete list below for details.
Nutcracker Performances in Los Angeles Area
Los Angeles Ballet @ Cerritos Center, Cerritos (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1)
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.
Inland Pacific Ballet @ Bridges Auditorium, Claremont (Dec. 21-22)
Discover the joy of the holiday season with this spectacular production of The Nutcracker; the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy. Meet the cast after the performance for photos and autographs.
Los Angeles Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 7-8)
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls. Los Angeles Ballet stays true to the traditions of the holiday story with some surprises! This production is set in 1912 Los Angeles. Throughout the five scenes in two acts you will find hints and tastes of Southern California – a Spanish style home, calla lilies, bougainvillea, the snowy forests of the Sierras, Venice archways, a moonlit Pacific Ocean and more!
Dance Creations @ Aguora Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Nov. 22-23)
Dance Creations present The Nutcracker, an 1892 two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”.
Degas Dance Studio @ Agoura Performing Arts Education Center, Agoura Hills (Dec. 7-8)
Bring your whole family to share and enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition with a family friendly full ballet production. Featuring Music by Tchaikovsky, professional as well as pre-professional and student performers, beautiful costumes and magical digital backdrops.
The Red Chair Children’s Production Company @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 14-15)
Now in its 14th year, The Red Chair’s energetic rendition of this holiday classic features young artists, ages 5 to 18, in principal and supporting roles along with adults. A cast of over 100 will bring to life the enchanting storybook tale of a young girl’s magical Christmas Eve that takes her, and the audience, on a delightful and exciting journey. Designed to captivate the youngest audience member with its lavish sets and glittering costumes to the oldest with its quality ballet production, Red Chair’s Nutcracker is truly the magical way for all ages to start the holidays!
Los Angeles Youth Ballet @ Alex Theatre, Glendale (Dec. 21-23)
Internationally renowned ballet stars and prominent role models Ashley Murphy and Brooklyn Mack guest star in Los Angeles Youth Ballet’s critically-acclaimed production of The Nutcracker by award-winning choreographer Andrea Paris-Gutierrez, which caps the holiday season with four performances.
Los Angeles Ballet @ The Dolby Theatre, Hollywood (Dec. 20, 21, 22, & 24 )
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the city’s own holiday tradition, perfect for celebrating the season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, you will be captivated as Clara and her beloved Nutcracker battle a most memorable Mouse King, encounter dancing Snowflakes and travel to the Palace of the Dolls.
Antelope Valley Ballet @ Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Lancaster (Dec. 14-15)
AV Ballet’s 20th Anniversary season at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center begins with a celebration of their 20th production of The Nutcracker. The best known and most beloved of all AV Ballet productions, this Christmas tradition has been seen by tens of thousands. Clara’s holiday journey with her Nutcracker through a battle filled with rats, a magical snowstorm and her visit to an enchanted confection created castle has become a mainstay in our community.
Long Beach Ballet @ The Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach (Dec. 14-15 & 20-22)
This stunning version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet by artistic director David Wilcox has been a Southern Californian holiday favorite for over 30 years years. Accompanied by full symphony orchestra, the Long Beach Nutcracker also boasts sparkling sets and costumes, a cast of over 200, dazzling pyrotechnics and magic effects — along with a special appearance by Rebel, Long Beach Ballet’s gorgeous white Arabian horse. The Los Angeles Times calls Long Beach Ballet’s The Nutcracker “opulent, family-oriented holiday entertainment,” and The Huffington Post raves that it “enchants children and their parents with spectacle and awe.”
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker @ The Wiltern, Los Angeles (Dec. 21-22)
DEAL ALERT: Get discount tickets starting at $39.00 on Goldstar.com or $39.00 on Groupon.com
Bringing holiday joy and goodwill with its 2018 Dove of Peace tour, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is inspired by the Bolshoi’s 1957 version of Tchaikovsky’s classic. In this always heartwarming spectacle, the young Masha and her Nutcracker Prince arrive in the Land of Peace and Harmony, where the Dove takes Masha on a magical trip across the globe, introducing her to the rich and colorful cultures of the world. Filled with premier Russian dancers, larger-than-life nesting dolls, handmade costumes, young local dancers — and even a falling snow effect — this perennial favorite is sure to cast its seasonal spell over the entire family, leaving kids “wide-eyed with delight” (The New York Times). And there’s no better place for you and your family to get swept up in the spirit of the holiday than at the beautiful, historic art-deco palace known as L.A.’s Wiltern.
