The Nutcracker: Opening Night

Champagne for the grown ups, treats for the children, and Tchaikovsky after.

The Nutcracker has been an annual fixture here since the Playhouse was established, when the Patricia Schuster School of Dance became the nonprofit Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. RCD stages a full length production with a cast mixing students, professionals and guest performers, directed by Henry Seth and Amy Piantaggini, as part of the Playhouse Family Series.

Opening night is the one with the party attached. A sparkling pre show reception with champagne, hors d'oeuvres and treats for the children runs from 5:00 to 6:30, and then the performance.

The reception is included. Every Friday night ticket covers it, and it is open to all ages, so nobody is standing outside waiting.

Getting tickets. Members get first crack in the pre sale; public on sale opens Friday 18 September at 10am. Membership gets you in immediately, and the box office is on 203-438-5795.

Where to go. The Playhouse is at 80 East Ridge Road in Ridgefield, behind the town hall, and it is an easy run in from anywhere in lower Fairfield County.