Long Beach Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ returns for 6 performances this December

Now in its 40th year, the Long Beach Ballet’s beloved production of “The Nutcracker” returns this December for six performances at the Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center.

In 2018 and 2019, Goldstar audiences voted Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” as the “best-loved” production in the nation and Artistic Director David Wilcox is pulling out all the stops to maintain that reputation. 

“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. It has pyrotechnics, it has magic; it’s got everything I can think of to make it thrilling. This production is not just for people who like ballet. You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production,” says Wilcox.

The Long Beach Ballet is one of the only ballet companies in Southern California to perform “The Nutcracker” with a full symphony orchestra. The production also boasts a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on-stage pyrotechnics, a cast of over 250, special effects designed by magician Franz Harary, and special guest performances.

This year’s production will feature Seth Orza, former principal dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, as the Nutcracker Prince, and Megan Wilcox, formerly with the world renowned Dresden Ballet, as the Sugarplum Fairy.

The six performances are slated for Dec. 16-18 and 22-23. Tickets go on sale to the general public Oct. 17 and range in price from $32 to $85. For complete information, visit LongBeachNutcracker.com.

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