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The historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium will transform into a winter wonderland this December as an international ensemble featuring Ukrainian Principal Artists performing classical European ballet at the highest level presents “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet,” a beloved family tradition that reimagines the classic holiday tale through spectacular theatrical elements and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
The production, scheduled for Friday December 13, with performances at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., showcases performers from over 15 countries, blending classical ballet with jaw-dropping acrobatics and larger-than-life puppetry.
Hand-crafted sets and costumes transport audiences into the magical world of the Nutcracker, delivered with Broadway-level production values.
The show’s centerpiece, the “Doves of Peace” performance, features two dancers creating a dramatic 20-foot wingspan dove through innovative acro-ballet choreography.
The production introduces several groundbreaking elements, including a Cyr Wheel artist integrating circus techniques and a new character called “The Herald” representing the spirit of the forest.
Ten-foot-tall puppets symbolizing different world heritages populate the stage, while Act II, set in the “Land of Peace and Harmony,” features elegantly dancing couples representing five great world heritages, each bestowing gifts from their cultures. The innovative choreography seamlessly blends classical ballet traditions with contemporary artistic elements.
Staged in the 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium, a venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places since its 1932 dedication, the production offers tiered ticket pricing ranging from $43 to $205 to accommodate various budgets.
For tickets and additional information, contact the Pasadena Civic Auditorium box office at (626) 449-7360 or by email at boxoffice@thepasadenacivic.com.
The Pasadena Civic Auditorium is located at 175 S. Euclid Ave.
