Dance troupe invites kids for tea with Nutcracker's Clara

The Magic of the Nutcracker, Lake County's longest-running and most lavish production, is celebrating is 20th anniversary by inviting children and parents to a Clara Tea Party at Trattoria Pomigliano on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

This first-ever holiday event will feature light refreshments and holiday entertainment, including a storyteller and raffle prizes. Girls are encouraged to wear their holiday best for pictures with Clara, the star of the Nutcracker story.

The children will be greeted by performers from the Nutcracker and can talk with Clara. In the Magic of the Nutcracker, Clara falls asleep by the Christmas tree and awakens in a magical kingdom filled with a thrilling battle of the mice, a dashing prince hero, a magical dance of the snowflakes and a visit to the Kingdom of the Sweets.

Each ticket is $15, and reservations are required for Clara's Tea Party. Please call Dancenter North at (847) 367-7970 for reservations or information. Trattoria Pomigliano is located at 602 N. Milwaukee Ave. in downtown Libertyville. Free parking is available.

The Magic of the Nutcracker will be performed in two venues: Libertyville High School's Butler Auditorium and the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. Performances will be held on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and on Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at Libertyville High School, and on Dec. 13 and 14 at 3 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre. Group sales are also available. For Libertyville High School performances, call (847) 367-7970, and for Genesee Theatre tickets, visit ticketmaster.com or their box office, located at 203 N. Genesee St. in Waukegan. For further information, visit dancenter-north.com or call (847) 367-7970