Ballet Foundation of San Diego presents 'The Nutcracker'

SAN DIEGO – Don't miss out on the magic of a revered holiday tradition this winter season and bring the entire family to see California Ballet in Maxine Mahon's "The Nutcracker!" directed by former principal dancer Trystan Merrick, the production will star principals Reka Gyulai and Stephano Candreva as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.

California Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is known as San Diego's Original Nutcracker and has graced stages all around the county since 1968. It has become a dearly cherished annual holiday tradition by many San Diegans and has featured notable prima ballerinas and male ballet dancers throughout the years. Founding director and choreographer, Maxine Mahon, has been a part of the production since its inception, and continues to help stage the production alongside original sets and scenery.

In "The Nutcracker," audiences will accompany the story of a little girl, Clara, and her Nutcracker toy; gifted to her by Uncle Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. Clara falls asleep at the party and wakes to discover a night of magic and mystery. Under a growing Christmas tree, life sized toy soldiers go to battle with giant mice while sparks fly, and a valiant Prince comes to her rescue. He whisks her away into a whirlwind of snow to a faraway Land of Sweets where sweets from around the world come alive to dance for her.

After creating cherished memories with all her new friends, Clara is transported safely back home. She wakes up feeling that the night's adventures were all just a dream as she hugs her mother and father....but was it? This production is open to ages 4 and up. Groups of 20 or more are eligible for 15% off tickets.

Performances will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m .; Friday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m .; Saturday, Dec 24, 1 p.m. at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. Tickets are on sale at http://www.californiaballetschool.com/tickets or the Center Box Office, 858-748-0505, Friday and Saturday, 1-6 p.m.

Submitted by the California Ballet School.