The Pearl Theater proudly presents a unique take on the holiday classic in The Story of the Nutcracker. As in the ballet, this family-friendly play is set to the dreamy music by Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky. Fritz and Marie are visited by Uncle Drosselmeyer, who brings three very special dolls for their Christmas presents. Marie falls asleep holding Clara, the nutcracker. As she enters dreamland the lights flicker, the Christmas tree grows, and the beautiful dolls come to life.

Directed by Ain Rashida Sykes and written by Michele Vacca, The Story of the Nutcracker features a large ensemble of local actors, including Jeff Blackman as Herr Drosselmeyer, Lauren Catoe as Nutcracker, Becky Warneke as Clara, Sylvana McIntyre as Soldier, Emma Biasotti as Marie, Landyn Roberts as Fritz, Julie Blackman as Servant/Snow Queen, Andrea Browne as Servant/Snow King, Ida Fribert as Mother/Sugar Plum Fairy, Paul Catoe as Father/Tutti Frutti, Peyton Reynolds and Prisha Verma as Mouse Warriors, and Lily Assadi, Skylar Smith, and Saisha Verma as Snowflakes.

“We all hear of The Nutcracker and immediately think of the ballet,” says Sykes. “It wasn’t until taking on this project that I actually delved into why this story resonates with so many.”

Tickets for The Story of the Nutcracker are available now at the Pearl Theater box office and online at pearl-theater.com. The show runs for three weekends, from December 6 through December 22. Friday and Saturday night performances start at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees start at 3 p.m. There is also a special buy-one-get-one-free night on Thursday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m.

This project is supported by a City of Pearland Cultural Arts Grant program from the City of Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau.