'The Nutcracker' Dances into Annapolis in December

Bring a bit of whimsy to this Christmas season by joining Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they traverse the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweet, battling life-sized, sword-wielding rats along the way.

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland's production of "The Nutcracker" opens at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14, with shows at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 15; at 7 p.m. Dec. 21; and at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m on Dec. 22.

The Dec. 15 and 21 shows will also feature Sugar Plum Parties at noon and 3:30 p.m. each day. 

"This ballet is comfortably familiar but fresh, lively and joyous. It is often breathtakingly beautiful, both in dance and in scenery...every detail speaks of creative commitment," said Mary Johnson of The Baltimore Sun.

Tickets for the production are on sale now and can be purchased online here. Prices begin at $34.50 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under. The Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts is located at 801 Chase St. in Annapolis.

If you want to see the ballet prior to Dec. 17, you can catch the company's opening performances at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 7 and 8. Check the Maryland Ballet Theatre's website for more details.