Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts to Present THE COLONIAL NUTCRACKER, 12/14

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College continues its 60th Anniversary Season with its annual holiday performance of Dance Theatre in Westchester's The Colonial Nutcracker on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at 2pm. Tickets are $15 each, and can be purchased at BrooklynCenter.org or by calling the box office at 718-951-4500 (Tues-Sat, 1pm-6pm).

Created especially for families with children ages five to ten, The Colonial Nutcracker sets Tchaikovsky's classic ballet in wintry colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. The production features classics such as "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Snowflakes," a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and compelling narration that will enhance young viewers' understanding and enjoyment of this timeless story. Rose Menes' delightful staging and choreography, coupled with colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's enduring score, will captivate audiences of all ages. The running time is approximately 2 hours plus an intermission.

In addition to The Colonial Nutcracker, Brooklyn Center's 2014-15 family performances include the Target Storybook Series of performances based on classic and contemporary children's literature, with titles including The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon (Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 2pm); The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites (Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 2pm); Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy's Big Adventure (Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 12pm and 3pm); and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 2pm). This series aims to encourage the development of strong reading skills at home in children ages four to eight. Online resources, such as literacy-based activity sheets and Parents' Guides, will give parents the opportunity to engage their children prior to attending the performances, and then again after seeing each show.

Other family-friendly shows at Brooklyn Center this season include a Lunar New Year Celebration by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company (Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3pm), The Golden Dragon Acrobats (Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 2pm), and two free family events, The Beauty of Ballet in partnership with the School of American Ballet (Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 2pm) and the Eighth Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration (Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 3pm). Family programming ticket prices range from free to $25, with a 50% discount available to children 12 and under for select performances.