Ellington

ON STAGE
"The Nutcracker"
• Dec. 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees
• Thalia Mara Hall
• $10-$20

"The Nutcraker" was always my favorite ballet as a young dance student. Not only did children actors and dancers perform in the ballet, but it also boasted the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, which featured the music that I became enthralled with after my first viewing of Disney's "Fantasia." But more than that, "The Nutcracker" is a tale of wonder and magic, family and holiday cheer, struggle and love. And you're never too old for that, eh? Ballet Mississippi has put on a great show for several years, featuring guests artists from around the country and Jackson's own young dancers. For a $20 front orchestra seat, you can get caught up in the up-close beauty of the ballet.