The Moscow Ballet Presents THE GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER At The Fox Theatre 12/12

The Moscow Ballet has announced "The Great Russian Nutcracker" will be on stage at the Fox Theatre at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 12.

Set against Valentin Fedorov's spectacular hand-painted backdrops and life-sized dancing puppets, the Great Russian Nutcracker delights audiences with a visual tapestry rich in detail and whimsy. It is especially distinctive for its unique setting of Act II in the "Land of Peace and Harmony" and for the introduction of a new character, a Christmas Dove. New this year is a fantasy clock with wings of an owl that cast a shadow over the battle between the Soldiers and the Mice.

Fedorov, an Honored Artist of Chuvashia, was a protégée of the legendary designer Valery Leventhal of the Bolshoi Theatre. He is art director at the Chuvashia State Theater and has designed over 40 productions for opera and ballet.

Moscow Ballet features top graduates of Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic Choreographic and Kiev schools. Acclaimed for exquisite dancing and gorgeous costumes, critics rave that the Great Russian Nutcracker is "flawless," "breathtaking," and "dazzling." Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blend with the richness of Russian classical ballet to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a memorable holiday treat for everyone.

Gold Medalist Cristina Terentieva stars as Masha partnered by Alexei Terentiev as the Nutcracker Prince. Terentieva won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Varna International Ballet Competition in 2008. In Varna, the couple performed Radu Poklitaru's award winning contemporary pas de deux "Lullaby," for which Alexei was honored as Best Partner.

Praised for exquisite dancing and gorgeous costumes, the Great Russian Nutcracker is directed by Ballet Master Vladimir Troschenko. Troschenko partnered such legendary Russian ballerinas as Nadia Pavolva, Ludmilla Seminyaka, and Galina Mezentseva. He is an honors graduate of the Bolshoi and Kirov academies.

Tickets ($27.50, $37.50, $47.50, $67.50, $87.50 & $100) are on sale now and may be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, call (313) 471-3099. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

New in 2009, Moscow Ballet is offering a special VIP premium seating package. Get the best seats in the house, located in the center orchestra section, and a Moscow Ballet canvas tote bag containing a retrospective souvenir book, CD and tour poster.