Theater/Arts: Long Beach Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ returns next month

Some “Nutcracker” productions lean simple and understated, while others aim to wow. Long Beach Ballet’s does the latter — and then some.

Now in its 43rd year, Long Beach Ballet returns to the Terrace Theater with its larger-than-life production of “The Nutcracker,” running Dec. 13 through Dec. 21 with six performances accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

Regularly named “The Nation’s Best-Loved Nutcracker” by Goldstar, this holiday tradition remains one of Southern California’s most spectacular seasonal events.

Performances take place at the Terrace Theater inside the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, where audiences enter through the grand plaza and its color-shifting fountain display. • Long Beach Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” returns to the Terra