Nothing says "Christmas is just around the corner" quite like an evening at the ballet - specifically, Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker - and there's no excuse to miss it this year because the Royal City Youth Ballet is putting on this full-length production right here in town.
The company has been producing this show every season for the past 24 years, attracting young dancers ages six and up from dance schools around the Lower Mainland.
This year, 26 dancers from New Westminster have been cast in various roles.
Two performances will be held at Massey Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 9 - at 1 p.m. and 4: 30 p.m. The theatre is located at 735 Eighth Ave.
Tickets are available at the box office, $30.50 for adults, $25.50 for students/seniors, including service charges.
To win two tickets to see the 1 p.m. show, email me at mreid@royalcityrec ord.com with the answer to the following question: What was Tchaikovsky's first name?
There are two pairs of tickets available, so the first two people to correctly answer will win.
Tickets can be picked up at the front desk at the Royal City Record office, 201A - 3430 Brighton Ave., Burnaby.
Arts in season
The Van Dop Gallery is holding its 15th annual Spirit of the Season show and sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.
Festive treasures and art, including hand-blown glass ornaments, handmade pottery and original paintings will be on display, and everything will be for sale.
Special guest artist Joanna Lovett, from Burnaby, will be featuring her jewelry during the show.
The gallery is located at 421 Richmond St. For more information, call 604-5217887.
Theatre fun
If it's still too early for you with all the Christmas cheer, but you're still in the mood for some jolly entertainment, there's a local theatre production coming up that might be just your thing.
The Golden Age Theatre presents Happily Ever After, a "behind the scenes comedy with a fairytale ending," with complementary refreshments and a bonus intermission show at Century House, 620 Eighth Ave., directed by Margo Prentice and was written by Greg Finnegan.
Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 7 at 7: 30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1: 30 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $8 for members, available at the door.
For more information, call 604-519-1066.
