David Wilcox doesn’t do things half-way.
Wilcox, the longtime artistic director of the Long Beach Ballet, didn’t get to put on his “Nutcracker” last year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. But the 39th edition of the holiday favorite is back — and Wilcox has promised it will be the most impressive production yet.
Which is saying something.
In 2018 and 2019, Goldstar audiences voted the Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” as the “best-loved” production in the nation.
More than 200 dancers, from the youngest beginners to international guest stars, will cross the Terrace Theater stage before the ballet comes to an end. A full symphony orchestra, including two harps, will perform the Tchaikovsky score. The ballet will take the stage next month.
Add the wow factor of a flying sleigh, a live horse on stage and indoor fireworks, and it becomes clear why Wilcox’s production has attracted more than 400,000 people to the Terrace over the years, according to a release.
“I like using the beauty of the classical art form of ballet, which has taken 500 years to develop to the level that it is today, to form a production that’s enticing and exciting,” Wilcox said in the release. “It has pyrotechnics, it has magic; it’s got everything I can think of to make it thrilling. This production is not just for people who like ballet. You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production.”
Wilcox went to the experts to craft the production: former Disney designers Elliot Hessayon and Scott Schaffer created the sets, Australian artist Adrian Clark designed the costumes and magician Franz Harary put the special effects together. Featured dancers have yet to be announced.
Opening night is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Dec. 18, and shows at 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19.
Tickets range in price from $34 to $78, depending on performance and seating. There also is a VIP package for $115 that includes orchestra seating, a full color program and a back stage pass including dancer meet and greets.
Tickets are available through the Long Beach Performing Arts Center Main Box Office, and online through the Long Beach Ballet website, LongBeachNutcracker.com. Information: 562-426-4112.
