Lustig is responsible for the most welcome recent addition to the Bay Area’s “Nutcracker” landscape. The English-born choreographer spent much of his dance career in the U.K. and Holland (realms where “Nutcracker” mania is far less pervasive), which explains how he retired from the stage without ever performing in a “Nutcracker” production. He brought a fresh eye to his beautiful version of the ballet, which hews closely to the original plot. His re-imagined “Nutcracker” premiered in 2000 at New Jersey’s American Repertory Ballet, and he brought the brilliantly staged production with him when he took over the Oakland Ballet last year. Harking back to his Austrian roots, Lustig set the ballet in late 19th-century Vienna, when it was the culturally vibrant capital of a vast empire. Working with set designer Zack Brown, he drew inspiration from the paintings and graphics of Viennese master Gustav Klimt.
Patty Cakes Storytime: The next session is 11 a.m, Tuesdays, June 17-Aug, 12, It is for kids ages 0-3 with a caregiver, Picture Book Time: The next session is 11 a.m, Thursdays from June 19-Aug, 14, is for kids ages 3-5 who can attend without a caregiver, Kids’ Scavenger Hunt: 4-5 p.m, June 16, Kids in grades K-5 who complete the scavenger hunt can win a prize, Magic with Timothy James: 7-8 p.m, June 16, Kids will enjoy an evening of magic, ballerina invitation | watercolor ballet | girls birthday invite | tutu | ballet shoes | pink | 5x7 | printable invitation | cus Busy Bee Dogs: 4-4:40 p.m, June 19, The formerly homeless pets, Busy Bee Dogs will provide educational entertainment..
From Farm to Urban Farming, 1850-2013. Using photographs, maps, objects, and firsthand accounts, this exhibit highlights the farms, dairies, nurseries and orchards that dotted Berkeley’s land in the early days, and chronicles the continued importance of agriculture today. 1 to 4 p.m. Through Sep. 28. Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. Free. 510-848-0181, www.BerkeleyHistoricalSociety.org. New Deal Nexus Walking Tour. Berkeley Historical Society’s Fall 2013 Walking Tour program kicks off with a walk exploring Berkeley High School, Civic Center park, the UC Berkeley campus and environs. 10 a.m. to noon. Sept. 21. Contact BHS for start location. $10 general. $8 members. 510-848-0181, www.BerkeleyHistoricalSociety.org.
“After that experience, I slept with the light on till I was 11,” he added, McMullen’s fascination with the sharp-toothed creatures continued at Carnegie Mellon University where he did his master of fine arts thesis on “A Freudian ballerina invitation | watercolor ballet | girls birthday invite | tutu | ballet shoes | pink | 5x7 | printable invitation | cus Approach to the Vampire Play.” According to McMullen, he began writing the musical shortly thereafter while living in New Orleans, “I used to write in one of the cemeteries and then go over to this coffee shop,” McMullen recalled, “One day I looked up and Ann Rice (who wrote “The Vampire Chronicles,” among other best-sellers) was sitting there as well.”..
The Book-Go-Round: The Friends of the Saratoga Libraries are looking for volunteers for their used bookstore, the Book-Go-Round, in downtown Saratoga. Easy work with a scheduled monthly commitment of 2½-3½ hours. Adults only. For more information, call Bobbi Stek, store manager, 408-868-0376. Cafe Pink House: April 8, Scott Barnhill Group. April 9, Daria CD release. April 10, Boss City, 6 p.m., $15. April 15, Nonch Harpin, $15. All shows at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 14577 Big Basin Way, Saratoga. cafepinkhouse.com, 408-647-2273.