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THE NUTCRACKER,A PERFECT HOLIDAY TREAT THIS SEASON

Missed the Show in Oxnard, See It In Ventura on Dec 1 and 2

By Sharon Rosenthal, www.camarillo.macaronikid.com November 18, 2012
This Sunday we had the opportunity to check out the Ventura County Ballet Company's (VCBC), “The Nutcracker” as it premiered this weekend in Oxnard at the PACC.  I took my girls to this show and we had a wonderful time enjoying the wonderful music and choreography of this holiday classic and then the sugar plum cookie reception that follows each matinee and is complimentary to ticket holders.

If you missed the show, it is not too late to get your tickets. The Nutcracker will be performed at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, on Saturday, December 1 at 2pm and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. Tickets are just $25 per person.

In this show, guests are invited to take a magical journey into the world of life-sized mice, dancing sweets and of course, a magical prince. The VCBC’s adaptation of this holiday classic is simply thrilling and exciting and really brings  the holiday tradition to life.

We had a great time at the show however, I really think the show is for older kids. I took my 5 year old and 7 year old and the 5 year old had a hard time sitting and just watching the show since there is no words in the show just music and some beautiful ballet dances to express the emotions of this show.

My 7 year old LOVED the show, she was entranced and loved every single moment of the music, the story and the stunning dancing. She followed along using the program guide to understand the story happening before her eyes. It was a very magical experience for us.

The music and the dancing was magical. We loved the great costumes that was used in the show to show with music and dance who the dancer was and the emotions they were feeling. The music provided by the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra was just beautifu. We loved every moment of this show and had a wonderful time.

Some extra information on the show: After every matinee there is a Sugar Plum Cookie Reception, which consists of  bags of cookies that guests enjoy after the show. In addition in the lobby the VCBC has a small boutique of various Nutcracker and ballerina items that you can purchase. The items are beautiful and reminded me of items I had growing up. Definitely worth browsing through during intermission.

The performances in Oxnard are now over but on December 1st and 2nd the VCBC will be performing at Ventura College and they still have tickets available. Contact the Theater Box Office  at 805-486-2424 or go online at www.venturacountyballet.com to get your tickets to this fun family show, though I think older kids will enjoy it more than younger ones. 

Disclaimer: The Nutcracker has given Macaroni Kid COV tickets so we could review this show.