WHERE TO FIND PERFORMANCES OF 'THE NUTCRACKER' IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY - DECEMBER 2009

Sugar Plum Fairies Close to Home

For many, the traditional tale of The Nutcracker is as much a part of the holidays as Christmas trees and mistletoe. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky's famous score, it returns to the stages of Fairfield County this year. The ballet unfolds with the timeless tale of Clara and her dolls, set in the magical dream world, Kingdom of the Sweets, where a battle between the Nutcracker army and the Mouse King's army takes place. Relive the excitement or introduce the holiday classic to your children at any of these theaters, where the music, dance, costumes, and sets will bring the story to life.

Info:

• The Danbury Symphony Orchestra, joined by more than 200 dancers from the greater Danbury area, presents Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet on December 11 at 7:30pm, December 12 at 6pm, and December 13 at 3pm. $15 or $20. Danbury High School, Clapboard Ridge Road (Route 39), Danbury. 203-748-1716. www.danbury.org.
• Connecticut Dance School presents The Nutcracker on December 13, 1 and 4pm. $35; $20 children and seniors. Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield. 203-254-4010.
• New England Academy of Dance presents The Nutcracker on December 4 at 7:30pm, December 5 at 11am (children's show, Act II only) and 4pm, and December 6 at 2pm. $25; $15 children, students, and seniors; $10 children's show. New Canaan High School, 11 Farm Road, New Canaan. www.neadance.com/nutcracker.
• The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance presents The Nutcracker '09 on December 19 at 2 and 6pm, and December 20 at 2pm. $25; $20 seniors; $15 children. The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, 80 East Ridge Avenue, Ridgefield. 203-438-5795. www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
• Connecticut Ballet presents Brett Raphael's production of The Nutcracker on December 5 at 7pm, and December 6 at 1 and 4pm. $45, $35, $20. Stamford Center for the Arts, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford. 203-325-4466. www.stamfordcenterforthearts.org.
• Westport Academy of Dancepresents its 28th annual production of The Nutcracker on December 5 at 3 and 7pm, and December 6 at 2pm. $25; $15 students and seniors. Staples High School Auditorium, 70 North Avenue, Westport. 203-226-9987.
• Ballet Etudes presents The Nutcracker on December 4 at 12:30pm, and December 5-6 at 1 and 4pm. $30; $18 children under 10. Discount for groups of 10 or more. Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court (off Route 1), Westport. 203-227-4177. www.westportplayhouse.com.

For more holiday activities and events for kids and families, check out December's Fairfield Calendar Highlights.