"For all the visions of sugar plums you'll need this holiday season, take in Contra Costa Ballet's "The Story of Nutcracker."
Contra Costa Times

This wonderful story, narrated by Marlene Swendsen, unfolds right before your eyes as she and the King Mouse lead you through the party scene, snow and fight scene and on to the land of the sweets.

The Contra Costa Ballet hosts many performances of this colorfully narrated, hour-long production of the holiday classic that is a delight for the entire family. If your children haven't seen the "Nutcracker," this is where to begin.

Each December tickets can be purchased at the

Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek CA 94596,
phone: (925) 943-SHOW or (925) 943-7469

or
on their web site http://dlrca.org