Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts Presents THE COLONIAL NUTCRACKER, 12/16

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College (BCBC) continues its 2012-2013 season with its annual holiday performance of Dance Theatre in Westchester's The Colonial Nutcracker on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased by phone at 718-951-4500 (Tues-Sat, 1pm-6pm), or online at www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.

Created especially for families with children ages four 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.

In addition to The Colonial Nutcracker, Brooklyn Center will present other family-friendly shows including the magical Christmas tale The Snow Maiden (Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 6pm), Bash the Trash's Tales of Anansi (Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2pm), and a sing-along screening of the Julie Andrews classic film The Sound of Music (Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1pm). Brooklyn Center will also partner with The School of American Ballet to present a free family dance event, The Beauty of Ballet (Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2pm). Family programming ticket prices range from free to $30, with a 50% discount available to children 12 and under for select performances.

This season, Brooklyn Center is also introducing the new Target Storybook Series featuring performances based on classic and contemporary children's literature. This series includes How I Became a Pirate (Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2pm), The Little Prince (Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 2pm), and American Family Theater's Sleeping Beauty (Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2pm).

The Target Storybook Series aims to encourage the development of strong reading skills at home in children ages four to eight. Each show's Parents' Guide, containing literacy-based activity sheets, reading tips, and discussion topics, gives parents the opportunity to engage their children both before and after seeing each show. Parents' Guides are available for download at www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org/Target_Storybook.asp. All seats for BCBC's 2012-2013 Target Storybook Series are $7.