The Nutcracker Returns to Long Beach Terrace Theater

Long Beach Ballet will dazzle audiences at the Terrace Theater/Long Beach Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 18th and Sunday, December 19th with their classical rendition of The Nutcracker. Presented by the Long Beach Ballet, three performances are scheduled.

With the Long Beach Ballet celebrating its 28th Anniversary, this Holiday Classic boasts a full symphony orchestra, a flying sleigh, a real live horse, on stage pyrotechnics, and a cast of over 200. The scenery was created by former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer, the costumes by Australian artist Adrian Clark, and special effects by renowned magician Franz Harary.

The Long Beach Ballet's Nutcracker has been seen by millions of people worldwide, including live audiences totaling more than 400,000 in Long Beach, 70,000 in Pasadena, hundreds of thousands throughout Asia (as performed by the Chinese Guangzhou Ballet), and millions more on television.

This year's performance is star-studded! The role of the Sugar Plum Fairy features Melissa Sandvig, a finalist from the hit television show "So You Think You Can Dance!" This year's Nutcracker Prince features Kyohei Yoshida, Silver Medalist at the 2010 World Ballet Competition.

Show times are Saturday, December 18th, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 19th, at 2:00 pm.

"We love welcoming back this wonderful annual event to the Terrace Theater," said Dan Spellens, Director of Theaters & Entertainment for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. "Long Beach Ballet's Nutcracker is beautifully presented and a great way for the entire family to celebrate the Holiday Season," he concluded.

Tickets will be on sale starting October 9th and can be purchased through all TicketMaster outlets and the Long Beach Performing Arts Center Main Box Office. Tickets are $20.00 to $46.00 with a special VIP Package available at $85.00 for adults ($75.00 for seniors, and $60.00 for children), which includes choice Center Orchestra seating, parking, souvenir, admission to the VIP lounge during intermission, and a backstage pass. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. To charge by phone, please call TicketMaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. The Long Beach Performing Arts Center Main Box Office is located at 300 E. Ocean Boulevard and is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday and 12:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday.