The Long Beach Ballet (LBB) is preparing to stage its 39th annual holiday extravaganza, “The Nutcracker,” at the Terrace Theatre for five performances only from Dec. 17 to 19.
LBB’s Artistic Director David Wilcox—a former ballet virtuoso who cofounded LBB in 1981—said in a press statement he is “excited” to unveil his forthcoming special rendition of “The Nutcracker” to Long Beach.
“It has pyrotechnics, it has magic—it’s got everything I can think of to make it thrilling,” Wilcox said.
The rich story of “The Nutcracker”—originally based on a tale by E.T.A. Hoffman, revised by Alexander Dumas and choreographed as a ballet by Marius Petipa in 1892, with score by Russian composer Tchaikovsky—tells of young Clara, who receives an exquisite nutcracker doll during her family’s grand Christmas Eve party.
At midnight, Clara dreams of the brave nutcracker leading toys to fight off an army of mice led by a ferocious mouse king. The nutcracker becomes a prince, leading Clara on a delightful journey through lands of snow and sweets, with beautiful dances from around the world.
To create that enchanted dreamscape, Wilcox brought in former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer to fabricate the set, artist Adrian Clark to fashion costumes and magician Franz Harary to invent special effects.
The production will feature a full symphony orchestra—including harpists to help play Tchaikovsky’s complete score—a flying sleigh, a live horse, pyrotechnics and a cast of over 200 ballet dancers.
“I like using the beauty of the classical art form of ballet—which has taken 500 years to develop to the level that it is today—to form a production that’s enticing and exciting,” Wilcox said.
LBB also promises a special guest performance and “surprise treats” for all ages. LBB’s production has a reputation for excellence. Ticket-seller Goldstar said its audiences voted LBB’s “The Nutcracker” the “best loved” production in the nation in 2018 and 2019.
“This production is not just for people who like ballet,” Wilcox said. “You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production.”
Long Beach Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. (half-price preview); Saturday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday Dec. 19, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets are $34 to $78 and can be purchased at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center box office or online at LongBeachNutcracker.com.
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