A Bay Area holiday tradition happily returns to the lavish and historic Paramount Theatre in Oakland as Oakland Ballet Company takes the stage for Artistic Director Graham Lustig's "The Nutcracker," with live music courtesy of the Oakland East Bay Symphony, conducted by Michael Morgan. Mr. Lustig's version of the holiday favorite is a freshly nostalgic look at "The Nutcracker" story set in early 20th century Vienna with loving and intelligent attention to details of story and characters that received its Oakland Ballet premiere in 2010 to enthusiastic audience and critical acclaim. Finished off with plenty of bravura dancing and reverence for the perennial tale of a young girl's dreamy adventures in the Kingdom of Sweets, Lustig's "The Nutcracker" has taken its place as an eagerly anticipated Bay Area holiday tradition.

Sweet Dreams Parties follow the 2 pm matinees and allow children and families to meet characters from the ballet and enjoy sweets, refreshments and holiday cheer for an additional ticket price.

Presented by Oakland Ballet Company.

$20-$59 with a 10% discount for a donation of a non-perishable food item. Discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Sweet Dreams Parties with OBC dancers and refreshments follow the 2pm Matinees and are priced at an additional $15.