It’s that time of year again, when visions of sugarplum fairies dance around in our dreams and thoughts turn to the perennial holiday happening that is The Nutcracker. For the 48th year, Ballet Austin brings us the Tchaikovsky classic, replete with that certain Ballet Austin touch, choreographed by artistic director Stephen Mills.

Lest you think that The Nutcracker is only for the kiddos, Austin Social Planner is here to tell you that the real fun is to be had when local celebrities appear on stage as Mother Ginger in the party scene. Always great fun and the source of many guffaws, past participants have included the Austin American-Statesman social columnist Michael Barnes (pictured above), and everyone from politicians to community leaders to media notables. This year, the roster of Mother Ginger’s includes AISD Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr and Statesman style reporter and blogger, Marques Harper.

So who cares if the temperatures are hovering in the mid-70s in mid-December? Get yourself over to the Long Center and escape the outside world for an hour or so of pure holiday bliss. Just watch out for the Rat King!

The Bottom Line:

Ballet Austin’s 48th Annual Presentation of The Nutcracker
When: Now through December 23, 2010
Where: The Long Center for the Performing Arts
Performance Information: http://www.balletaustin.org/atb/nutcracker.php
Tickets: https://www.tickets.balletaustin.org/public/