The Long Beach Ballet continues its annual holiday tradition, for the 43rd year this December, of presenting “The Nutcracker” at the Terrace Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center for six performances, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21.
This season, guest artists joining The Long Beach “Nutcracker” include Derek Drilon, of Joffrey Ballet, dancing the Nutcracker Prince, with Megan Wilcox, SemperOper Ballett and California Ballet, as the Sugar Plum Fairy for the first weekend; followed by Vitor Luiz, former principal dancer of the San Francisco Ballet, as the Nutcracker Prince with Tara Ghassemieh as the Sugar Plum Fairy on the second weekend.
The Long Beach Ballet’s Artistic Director David Wilcox has pulled out all the stops for this 43rd production of the classical tale. This production boasts a full symphony orchestra, conducted by Dr. Roger Hickman, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, onstage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 250. Former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer created the scenery, Australian artist Adrian Clark designed the costumes, and magician Franz Harary created the special effects. Pyrotechnics by Pyro Spectaculars.
Performances take place Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 20 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec .21 at 2 p.m., at the Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, located at 300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center Main Box Office, and online through the Long Beach Ballet website, www.LongBeachNutcracker.com. Ticket prices start at $38, with a special VIP package also available. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
