Dance

Once upon a time...

Snow falls gently outside the frosty paned windows on a cozy Christmas Eve at the grand house of the Stahlbaum’s. As the family prepares for a festive party, delicious scents of holiday treats waft from the kitchen. The children, Fritz and Clara, delight in the gay decorations--wreaths, ribbons and mistletoe and, in the center of it all, a magnificent, sparkling tree! As the party gets underway, the children’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and presents young Clara with the best gift of all--a charming Nutcracker doll! Late that night, unable to stop thinking of her wonderful gift, Clara steals back to the living room and falls asleep beneath the tree with the Nutcracker clasped tightly in her arms... Suddenly the magic begins! As the clock strikes twelve and the beautiful Christmas tree grows to a gigantic size, Clara finds her Nutcracker doll and Fritz’s toy soldiers coming to life before her eyes! Following a fierce battle with an army of furry, larger-than-life mice, Clara watches her Nutcracker transform into a handsome prince! Taking her by the hand, he helps her into a beautiful sleigh and the two of them embark on a midnight journey to the Enchanted Kingdom. Snowflakes dance in the gentle breezes of the Snowy Pine Forest and, in the Land of Sweets, ladyfinger mountains are topped with whipped cream whiter than snow with sweetly glazed flowers and butter-cream frosting everywhere! At the palace, they meet the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, who honors them with a spectacular night of the most amazing dances and festivities Clara has ever seen. But then, Clara’s perfect evening must come to an end...

Don't miss this traditional family favorite!

“The Nutcracker”

December 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday shows begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $12 patrons, $10 adults, $9 seniors, $8 students/children

A little girl’s dream will again take audiences on a magical and wonderous journey as Ballet Theatre Ashtabula presents the popular holiday classic, The Nutcracker.

Enduring for more than a century, this beloved story ballet has become a holiday tradition for families around the world. A special brew of beautiful scenery with glistening snowflakes and special effects, costumes and music, The Nutcracker features a story which appeals to all ages. Children in the audience will particularly enjoy the vivacious “Bon Bons” who make their appearance from beneath “Mother Ginger’s” gigantic hooped skirt!

One benefit you will discover of having the show staged in our small theater is that it allows even the young child the ability to really see what is happening on the stage. Children are enchanted with this show and often develop a desire to see more. And who knows? Maybe our next “Sugar Plum Fairy” or “Nutcracker Prince” is a child of yours! It’s happened before! So bring your family and join the holiday fun inside the enchanted snow forest and the palace of the Sugar Plum fairy!

So come and join the holiday fun!

For tickets or more information: (440) 964-3396.