MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER Returns to Los Angeles in December

Celebrate this Christmas with Moscow Ballet's world-famous production of the Great Russian Nutcracker! Following multiple engagements at The Wiltern last year, the Moscow Ballet will return with two performances of the Great Russian Nutcracker on December 15, 2013 - a matinee at 3:00 PM followed by an evening show at 7:00 PM. Both shows will go on sale Monday, May 6^th at 10 AM. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com and www.livenation.com

Moscow Ballet's company of 40 star-studded dancers will perform Olympian feats in the Holiday classic seen by millions. Families won't want to miss this performance of a lifetime, full to the brim with magical toys, falling snow, growing Christmas trees and astounding Russian dancers. To the delight of audiences of all ages, the award-winning company -- many of whom are International Ballet Competition (IBC) winners -- brings humor, charm and finesse to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker dramatizes the traditional story of a girl meeting her "Prince," and includes a tribute to world peace and harmony. The "Dove of Peace," created in homage to Stanislav Vlasov's original two person bird which premiered in 1957 in New York City, escorts Masha and the Nutcracker Prince to the "Land of Peace and Harmony" (in contrast to the traditional "Land of Sweets"). Dancers from the world's ethnic heritages; Hispanic, African, Slavic-Russian, Asian and European, entertain the young couple bestowing symbolic gifts in the form of playful, 10-foot tall silk puppets.

The 2013 production includes 200 all new and hand-embellished costumes designed by Shakespearean expert Arthur Oliver and created in St Petersburg's best theatrical costume shop. Celebrate the best of Russian ballet and the beauty of the holidays in one grand production of Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! www.nutcracker.com