Event Calendar

The Monterey Peninsula Ballet Theatre (MPBT) is thrilled to announce its return to Sunset Center with the 2025 production of The Nutcracker with Monterey's own Tia Brown Rosenblum as Artistic Director. With the hope of exposing students to a professional experience, she collaborated with many gifted choreographers amongst which were peninsula locals and former students. We are delighted to have professional dancers, Samuel Jones and Jameson Keating, join MPBT as our Cavalier, Nutcracker, Prince, and Arabian lead- partnering our talented local dancers: Paige McDonald (Sugar Plum Fairy), Tes Laflan (Arabian Lead), and Brooke Benson (Clara), and Emory Bates (Mouse Queen). The culmination of such talent and creative energy working with the young people of the area makes MPBT's Nutcracker without equal on the Peninsula! This enchanting story springs to life in keeping with the tradition of Tchaikovsky's original ballet, first performed in San Francisco many years ago.

Come celebrate the magical tradition with our family of 120 dancers, countless volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters, all of whom have been celebrating the Christmas season since August and are now proud to present a beautiful interpretation of The Nutcracker. Stunning tutus are fluffed, scenery is painted and props are getting an extra coat of glitter, all in anticipation of dazzling our audience!

Join Clara as she celebrates the holiday with her family who include her mischievous little brother and her beloved and magical Uncle Drosselmeyer. As she ventures into a world of ethereal characters, she's gifted with visions of twirling sugar plums, divine angels, and pirouetting flowers. Cookies and Bon Bons spring to life from under Mother Ginger's charmed costume, and candy canes leap, twist and twirl for your entertainment. This show provides entertainment for everyone – soldiers battling beasts, a Nutcracker saving a fair young lady, and fantastic wonders such as snow falling from Sunset's arches and trees growing before your eyes. All spectacles that you must see to believe!

Joining MPBT for one of these performances ensures that, when your children go to bed this Christmas Eve, they are sure to be dreaming of more than just sugar plums dancing in their heads! Thank you for supporting MPBT and all of the children who benefit from this work. Happy Holidays!

Tickets: Adults $61 (Listed price includes a $3 Box Office Fee and a $3 Facility Use Fee)

Children (12 & Under):  $40 (Listed price includes a $3 Box Office Fee and a $2 Facility Use Fee)

Kingdom of Sweets Party & Performance

Celebrate the season with a magical Nutcracker experience designed especially for families and young audiences!

Join us for the Kingdom of Sweets Party, held before the performance in a beautifully decorated setting inspired by the whimsical world of The Nutcracker. Enjoy festive activities, sweet treats, and special photo opportunities with costumed cast members—all in an immersive environment that brings the story to life.

Tickets include:

• Admission to the pre-performance party at 12 PM in Studio 105

• Premier theater seating for the 2 PM matinee of The Nutcracker

Whether you're starting a new tradition or continuing a cherished one, the Kingdom of Sweets Party & Performance is the perfect way to celebrate the magic of the season.

Tickets: Kingdom of Sweets Party & Performance $121 (Listed price includes a $3 Box Office Fee and a $3 Facility Use Fee)

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