It’s the most magical time of the year, and not because it’s almost Christmas, but because Long Beach Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is back at the Long Beach Terrace Theater!

Long Beach Ballet has been putting on their well-loved production for the past forty years.

Critics like the Goldstar Audience Survey have named it “the best-loved “The Nutcracker” in the nation.” And the praise didn’t stop there, the Los Angeles Times also commented on the shows’s quality: “Crammed with special effects, the familiar Long Beach Ballet version of ‘The Nutcracker’ has nearly everything money can buy. For opulent, family-oriented, entertainment — seek no further.”

The show includes a full symphony orchestra, real pyrotechnics, a flying sleigh, flying angels, magic tricks, spectacular choreography, and a live horse all within a 3,000-seat theater.

Most notably, it will be featuring our very own Servite Friar Alec Mercado ’23.

Alec has been dancing for 11 years and was named Best Male Dancer by the Spirit of the MACY Awards and placed third in the Youth America Grand Prix Men’s Senior Classical Division Semi-Finals.

This year, Alec will appear as Harlequin, the Nutcracker, Lead Chinese, and Waltz of the Flowers Couple. Bridgette Sanders‘ 23, who saw the show last year, said, “It’s enchanting! Alec is beyond talented, and his performance as well as the other dancers; they were all so mesmerizing. I can’t wait to go for round two this year!” I know I can’t wait to see it!

Come see Alec perform Dec. 16, 17, 18, 22, and 23 at the Long Beach Terrace Theater. You won’t want to miss it! Buy tickets here: longbeachnutcracker.com