“You’ve never read Where the Wild Things Are? What kind of upbringing did you have?” asked my incredulous companion of Maurice Sendak’s iconic children’s book. Author/illustrator Sendak’s notoriety also comes from having designed the fantastical set for the PNB’s production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, which it has been presenting since 1983. And despite having been an aspiring ballerina around that time, I was only just now seeing the play at 27. If, for whatever reason, you’re in the same boat, tonight is your last chance of the season to experience this enchanting ballet. It’s been said that the children in the audience are as fun to watch as the ones onstage, and I have to admit it’s true. The looks of wide-eyed wonder (and the way little bugaboos miraculously shut up) during Clara’s holiday adventures are truly special. And I caught myself doing the same during the romantic pas de deux between a grown-up Clara and her Prince, as they dance in the falling snow.

Nov. 23-Dec. 29, 2007