Hollywood Gothique

The Alex Theatre in Glendale is offer as many versions of The Nutcracker – Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, about toys that come to life on Christmas eve – as anyone could want. But who’s complaining? It’s a Christmas classic, and instead of presenting it over and over again all month, why not offer different variations that might appeal to different audiences?

1. Up first is the Red Chair Children’s Production Company presentation of the ballet on Thursday night, December 4 at 7:30pm.
2. Then the Media City Ballet presents their special version, enhanced with on-stage magical illusions, for performances at 2pm & 7pm on Saturday & Sunday, December 6 and 7.
3. Finally, the Los Angeles Ballet offers a more traditional production on Friday, December 12 at 7:30pm.

Of the three, the Media City Ballet’s version looks most interesting. Purists may object to the casting of a magician in a lead role, plus aerialists dangling over the stage, but the story is filled with magic and wonder intended to delight imaginative young minds, so these touches seem perfectly in keeping with the material, even if they do make it seem a bit like the Cirque du Soleil version of Nutcracker.

Location: Alex Theatre – 216 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
Phone: (818) 243-2539
Website: www.alextheatre.org