Dueling Nutcrackers

Holiday audiences in Reno will have their choice of two versions of The Nutcracker, one by a local ballet company and another by a Bay Area company.

The Nutcracker ballet in Reno, Nevada.
Photo courtesy A.V.A. Ballet Theatre

This has happened during previous holiday seasons in Reno, but I don't recall that both performances were staged on the same weekend, which is the case this year. In any event, you have a choice this year. Of course, if you time it right you could see both shows.

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre - December 7, 8, 9. This local ballet company will present its 17th annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno. Performances will be December 7 at 8 p.m., December 8 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and December 9 at 2 p.m. A special Sugar Plum party will be held after the Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances where children can meet the Nutcracker characters. Adult tickets are from $25 to $50. Tickets for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and older are from $20 to $50. For more information call A.V.A. Ballet Theatre at (775) 762-5165 or the Pioneer Center at (775) 686-6600. Box office hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Peninsula Ballet Theatre of San Mateo - December 8 & 9. The Nutcracker by the Peninsula Ballet Theatre will be performed in the Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. There will be two shows - 7 p.m. on December 8 and 2 p.m. on December 9. Following the show, audience members will be invited on-stage to meet the dancers. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and can be purchased online or by calling (800) 648-3568.

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