“The Nutcracker” is back with performances and events for all ages

Beloved by people of all ages, “The Nutcracker” tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a toy nutcracker from her mysterious godfather at a Christmas Eve party. Adventure abounds when the nutcracker comes to life, whisking Clara away through a snowy forest of dancing snowflakes to the magical Land of Sweets, where she meets characters like the Cavalier Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

This whimsical production includes breathtaking, handmade sets — real snow seems to fall from the sky and a Christmas tree grows larger than life before the audience’s eyes. Paired with glittering costumes, the well-known music of Peter Tchaicokvsky, and magnificent dancing, “The Nutcracker” will bring out the wide-eyed child in everyone this holiday season.

Brighton School of Ballet is also proud to continue the longstanding tradition of bringing professional artists to the local stage. This year, BSB welcomes Michaela King and Alex Vrba, courtesy of Madison Ballet, to dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier Prince, and Ben Hansen of the Grand Rapids School of Dance will make his Brighton debut in the title role of the Nutcracker.

Tickets are $30 each for reserved seating and must be purchased in advance at www.brightonschoolofballet.com, as they will not be available at the theater box office. Those interested in VIP ticket packages and/or advertising in the performance program should email Mona.M.Shand@gmail.com for more information.

For the littlest dreamers, Brighton School of Ballet will again host a special event that will deliver a pint-sized dose of Nutcracker magic. The “Suite Dreams” Party will take place 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at Oak Pointe Country Club.