HOLIDAY CLASSIC RETURNS TO BRIDGES AUDITORIUM AND LEWIS FAMILY PLAYHOUSE

The classic holiday tale of a young girl and her magic nutcracker doll is making its local return in the critically acclaimed performance of the Inland Pacific Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”

Now in its 19th season, the annual performance has turned into a local tradition.

“It’s such a popular show and for good reason,” said artistic director Victoria Koenig. “It’s a real classic. It celebrates not necessarily just Christmas but the holidays in general, and it’s really appealing.”

The yuletide favorite tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a journey through the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.

The holiday ballet promises dazzling sets, beautiful costumes and more than 80 dancers on stage, and will bring the dreams with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy to life.

To benefit the Inland Pacific Ballet and celebrate the return of “The Nutcracker,” there will be a festive holiday gala hosted at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Bridges Auditorium. A champagne/wine reception will be held before the performance. Drinks and food will be provided during the intermission and the night will end with dessert with the artists.

Tickets to the gala are $65. The Pomona College Orchestra, conducted by Eric Lindholm, will be there for a special live performance opening weekend, adding its musical touches to the Dec. 7-8 showings.

“The Nutcracker” will return to Bridges the following weekend, and then the performance will move into the Lewis Family Playhouse for its final showings Dec. 21-23.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ipballet.org.