NUTCRACKER 101

`The Nutcracker" is a 103-year-old dance fantasy created by Russianshowman Marius Petipa and set to music by Peter Tchaikovsky. The1892 confection, set to an E.T.A. Hoffmann tale, involves a littlegirl who receives a magical nutcracker as a Christmas gift.

Critics hated the show when it opened in St. Petersburg, Russia,in 1892. But Petipa and company had the last laugh as "TheNutcracker" went on to become one of the most fabulously successfulballets of all time. It's a sacred cash cow of many a regionalballet troupe, since the productions feature local children.

Chicago's Ruth Page production, playing annually at the ArieCrown Theatre, has enjoyed a 29-year-run. Over the years, severalsmaller local productions have taken off as well.