Dance

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NEXT Dance Cinema It started out as serendipity that Velocity Dance Center is just down the road from Northwest Film Forum, but the two organizations are making a virtue of proximity with their ongoing collaborations for NEXT Dance Cinema. This time they’ve got four separate programs, opening with a cinematic sampler featuring several local choreographers, including Dinosaurs and Sea Hawks, a poignant addition to Ezra Dickinson’s 2013 examination of mental illness and homelessness, Mother for you I made this. Later programs include work by local artists KT Niehoff and Dayna Hanson, along with a sweet lip-sync directed by Sara Jinks to “Lonesome Polecat” (from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). Other programs include a rigorous solo by Dutch performer Roxane Huilmand and an evening of film examining contemporary African dance. (See nwfilmforum.org for exact schedule through Sat., Dec. 13.) SANDRA KURTZ Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Next Dance Cinema Dance onscreen, part of the Next Fest NW (through Dec. 14). 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8-Tues., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 7pm

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NEXT Dance Cinema It started out as serendipity that Velocity Dance Center is just down the road from Northwest Film Forum, but the two organizations are making a virtue of proximity with their ongoing collaborations for NEXT Dance Cinema. This time they’ve got four separate programs, opening with a cinematic sampler featuring several local choreographers, including Dinosaurs and Sea Hawks, a poignant addition to Ezra Dickinson’s 2013 examination of mental illness and homelessness, Mother for you I made this. Later programs include work by local artists KT Niehoff and Dayna Hanson, along with a sweet lip-sync directed by Sara Jinks to “Lonesome Polecat” (from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). Other programs include a rigorous solo by Dutch performer Roxane Huilmand and an evening of film examining contemporary African dance. (See nwfilmforum.org for exact schedule through Sat., Dec. 13.) SANDRA KURTZ Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Wednesday, December 10, 2014

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NEXT Dance Cinema It started out as serendipity that Velocity Dance Center is just down the road from Northwest Film Forum, but the two organizations are making a virtue of proximity with their ongoing collaborations for NEXT Dance Cinema. This time they’ve got four separate programs, opening with a cinematic sampler featuring several local choreographers, including Dinosaurs and Sea Hawks, a poignant addition to Ezra Dickinson’s 2013 examination of mental illness and homelessness, Mother for you I made this. Later programs include work by local artists KT Niehoff and Dayna Hanson, along with a sweet lip-sync directed by Sara Jinks to “Lonesome Polecat” (from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). Other programs include a rigorous solo by Dutch performer Roxane Huilmand and an evening of film examining contemporary African dance. (See nwfilmforum.org for exact schedule through Sat., Dec. 13.) SANDRA KURTZ Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Thursday, December 11, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Thursday, December 11, 2014

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Friday, December 12, 2014

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NEXT Dance Cinema It started out as serendipity that Velocity Dance Center is just down the road from Northwest Film Forum, but the two organizations are making a virtue of proximity with their ongoing collaborations for NEXT Dance Cinema. This time they’ve got four separate programs, opening with a cinematic sampler featuring several local choreographers, including Dinosaurs and Sea Hawks, a poignant addition to Ezra Dickinson’s 2013 examination of mental illness and homelessness, Mother for you I made this. Later programs include work by local artists KT Niehoff and Dayna Hanson, along with a sweet lip-sync directed by Sara Jinks to “Lonesome Polecat” (from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). Other programs include a rigorous solo by Dutch performer Roxane Huilmand and an evening of film examining contemporary African dance. (See nwfilmforum.org for exact schedule through Sat., Dec. 13.) SANDRA KURTZ Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Friday, December 12, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Friday, December 12, 2014

Next Fest NW If you’re not in the mood for a Nutcracker, here’s new work by Ariana Bird, Luke Gutgsell, and others. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12-Sun., Dec. 14. $12-$18 Friday, December 12, 2014, 8pm

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Saturday, December 13, 2014

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NEXT Dance Cinema It started out as serendipity that Velocity Dance Center is just down the road from Northwest Film Forum, but the two organizations are making a virtue of proximity with their ongoing collaborations for NEXT Dance Cinema. This time they’ve got four separate programs, opening with a cinematic sampler featuring several local choreographers, including Dinosaurs and Sea Hawks, a poignant addition to Ezra Dickinson’s 2013 examination of mental illness and homelessness, Mother for you I made this. Later programs include work by local artists KT Niehoff and Dayna Hanson, along with a sweet lip-sync directed by Sara Jinks to “Lonesome Polecat” (from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). Other programs include a rigorous solo by Dutch performer Roxane Huilmand and an evening of film examining contemporary African dance. (See nwfilmforum.org for exact schedule through Sat., Dec. 13.) SANDRA KURTZ Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Saturday, December 13, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Saturday, December 13, 2014

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A family party, with breakfast. 11 a.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., Seattle, WA $15-$20 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 11am

Next Dance Cinema Dance onscreen, part of the Next Fest NW (through Dec. 14). 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8-Tues., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 2:30pm

Next Dance Cinema Dance onscreen, part of the Next Fest NW (through Dec. 14). 7 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8-Tues., Dec. 9, 2:30 & 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 13. Velocity Dance Center, 1621 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 $6-$11 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 4pm

Next Fest NW If you’re not in the mood for a Nutcracker, here’s new work by Ariana Bird, Luke Gutgsell, and others. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12-Sun., Dec. 14. $12-$18 Saturday, December 13, 2014, 8pm

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Sunday, December 14, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Sunday, December 14, 2014

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A family party, with breakfast. 11 a.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., Seattle, WA $15-$20 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 11am

Next Fest NW If you’re not in the mood for a Nutcracker, here’s new work by Ariana Bird, Luke Gutgsell, and others. 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12-Sun., Dec. 14. $12-$18 Sunday, December 14, 2014, 8pm

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Monday, December 15, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Tuesday, December 16, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Wednesday, December 17, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Thursday, December 18, 2014

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Friday, December 19, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Friday, December 19, 2014

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Saturday, December 20, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Saturday, December 20, 2014

DASSdance: Mini-Nutcracker A family party, with breakfast. 11 a.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20. Washington Hall, 153 14th Ave., Seattle, WA $15-$20 Saturday, December 20, 2014, 11am

International Ballet Theater: Nutcracker They’re taking their show on the road. 425-284-0444. Opens Dec. 5. Runs Fri.-Sun. plus Dec. 22 & 23; see IBTbellevue.org for exact schedule. First weekend: Kirkland Performing Arts Center, 350 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland ($25-$42); remainder of the run, Meydenbauer Theater, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue ($25-$50). Ends Dec. 23. Various locations, $25-$50 Sunday, December 21, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Sunday, December 21, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Monday, December 22, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Tuesday, December 23, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Wednesday, December 24, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Thursday, December 25, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Friday, December 26, 2014

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Nutcracker Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual production of Nutcracker is almost as much of a festival in the lobby as it is in the auditorium. Between the photo opportunities, strolling musicians, magicians, and other pre-show entertainments, you could almost forget there’s a ballet at the center of the program. Which would be a mistake. Kent Stowell and Maurice Sendak crafted a unique approach to the holiday classic, combining physical virtuosity and theatrical traditions. This is the last year for their production, since PNB will premiere a new version in 2015. Come see this classic one more time. (Schedule & tickets: 441-2424 and pnb.org.) SANDRA KURTZ McCaw Hall (Seattle Center), 321 Mercer St., Seattle, WA 98109 $35-$136 Saturday, December 27, 2014