CourtesyThe Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies is one of the classic pieces from "The Nutcracker Ballet" re-tailored for younger audiences in the Sierra Nevada Ballet's production of "PEANUTCRACKER - The Story in a Nutshell."
Lovers of the Christmas-time staple "The Nutcracker Ballet" have plenty to choose from this holiday season.
For those who enjoy the ballet in its original form, there's the Pinkerton Ballet Theatre's 21st annual production this weekend at the Carson City Community Center.
This year's production features three special performances by Mayor Bob Crowell, Sheriff Ken Furlong and District Attorney Neil Rombardo, who are rotating the larger-than-life role of Mother Gigogne.
Furlong takes the stage opening night, Nov. 27, followed by Rombardo's portrayal on Nov. 28 and Crowell's performance for the Sunday matinee.
The fairy-tale ballet, with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, also features Erica Chipp, a Carson City native who now dances with Festival Ballet Providence in Rhode Island in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy as well as a host of local children.
The production is being directed by Ayako Britt and Natalie Berger of Ayako's Dance Studio in Carson City.
•••
For small children who might love the fanciful ballet but squirm at its length, there's "Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell," an abridged, 45-minute version of the ballet performed by the Sierra Nevada Ballet.
"Peanutcracker," written and choreographed by Rosina Bena, the ballet group's artistic director, will be performed at several local venues, including the Carson City Community Center at 2:30 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 5. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased at online at www.sierranevadaballet.com.
Sierra Nevada Ballet will also perform at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and in Reno at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 15
•••
Finally, for those fans who prefer a more modern version of the classic ballet, there's "The Nutcracker Ballet - All Jazz'd Up!" produced by danceSpirit, a dance school and studio in Carson City.
The show incorporates jazz, tap and hip hop into the ballet tale and features 54 performers aged 5 to 65 years old.
"Jazz'd Up!" will be on stage at the Community Center on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at the door or by calling 775-884-1066.
If you go:
What: Pinkerton Ballet Theatre's 21st annual production of "The Nutcracker Ballet"
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 27-28; 2 p.m. Nov. 29
Where: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
Cost: Tickets are $23.50 general admission, $19.50 for seniors and students; group discounts also offered. Tickets available online at www.ayakosdance.com, or at the Brewery Arts Center's Artisan's Gift Shop, 449 W. King St., or at the door starting 90 minutes before each performance.
Details: Call the BAC at 775-883-1976, ext. 2
What: Sierra Nevada Ballet's "Peanutcracker - The Story in a Nutshell"
When: Dec. 5 at 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Where: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
Cost: Tickets are $11 for adults, $6 for children, available online at www.sierranevadaballet.com.
Details: Visit the Sierra Nevada Ballet's Web site at www.sierranevadaballet.com .
What: danceSpirit's "The Nutcracker Ballet -- All Jazz'd Up!"
When: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
Where: Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
Cost: Tickets are $10 at the door or by calling 775-884-1066.
Details: For more information, call danceSpirit at 775-884-1066.