The Nutcracker Performed by Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance

A Ridgefield December is not really underway until somebody's child is a mouse.

The Nutcracker has been a beloved annual holiday classic here since the establishment of the Ridgefield Playhouse, dating back to when the Patricia Schuster School of Dance transitioned into the nonprofit Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. RCD marks that history with a full length production, a cast of student, professional and guest performers, and direction by Henry Seth and Amy Piantaggini. It runs as part of the Playhouse Family Series.

Bring whoever you can gather and watch the dancers build Tchaikovsky's world out of a Ridgefield stage.

Four performances this weekend. Saturday 12 December at 2pm and 6pm, and Sunday 13 December at 11am and 2pm. There is also an opening night performance on the Friday with a champagne reception, listed separately.

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.