Thursday
March, 11
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Saturday
March, 13

Nutcracker variations: Holiday classic to be performed en pointe - and on stilts

Photo: Nutcracker variations

Imagine one of the holiday's beloved tales told two different ways by some of the area's most talented youth - one the traditional way, with pas de bourées, brisé volés and arabesques - the other with acrobatics, juggling and stilt walking. Area audiences will have the opportunity to see both this weekend as the Academy of Ballet Arts in Hadley performs "The Nutcracker Story" in Amherst and the New England Center for Circus Arts performs "The Flying Nut" in Brattleboro, Vt.

'Very Valley Christmas Carol' takes its place as an annual holiday rite

Photo: ¿Very Valley Christmas Carol' takes its place as an annual holiday rite

When the Academy of Music filled to the rafters during a blizzard for last year's "A (Very Valley) Christmas Carol," Old Deerfield Productions knew its idea to make the show an annual rite of the holiday season was on target.