December 9, 2006  The Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Ballet Repertory Theatre. This traditional, delightful Christmas ballet is presented in its original, full-length version for your holiday enjoyment. The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the book called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. In 1891, the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa commissioned Tchaikovsky to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet. In 1892, the first showing of the Nutcracker took place at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet. The Nutcracker made its way to Western Europe in the 1930’s and to America by 1940, performed by Ballet Russe. The first American full length Nutcracker was performed by the San Francisco Ballet, choreographed by W. Christensen. The Nutcracker has since become an annual Holiday tradition. December 9, 2006  Nutcracker Ballet (full version) - is a traditional Christmas performance  at Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house. As the clock strikes midnight strange things begin to happen. Clara begins shrinking as her beautiful Christmas tree grows high above her. The toys around the tree come to life while the room fills with an army of mice, lead by the fierce Mouse King. As the Nutcracker awakens, he leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the mice. Time: 2 p.m. Cost: $13/ general admission; $12/ students, seniors, kids 12 and under.  Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  Golden West College,  Location: 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, California 92647.  Call (714) 895-8150. www.gwctheater.com

December 10, 2006  Nutcracker Ballet (full version) - is a traditional Christmas performance  at Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  It is Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum house. As the clock strikes midnight strange things begin to happen. Clara begins shrinking as her beautiful Christmas tree grows high above her. The toys around the tree come to life while the room fills with an army of mice, lead by the fierce Mouse King. As the Nutcracker awakens, he leads his army of toy soldiers into battle with the mice. Time: 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Cost: $13/ general admission; $12/ students, seniors, kids 12 and under.  Golden West College Mainstage Theater.  Golden West College,  Location: 15744 Golden West Street, Huntington Beach, California 92647.  Call (714) 895-8150. www.gwctheater.com