Boni's Dance & Performing Arts Studio and The Woodlands Dance Company will stage their 40th anniversary production of The Nutcracker at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22.

Four shows are planned. Matinees start at 3 p.m. both days, according to Woodlands Mommy. Evening start times differ across sources: Woodlands Mommy lists 7:45 p.m. for both nights, a Woodlands Online event listing shows 7 p.m., and a Community Impact fall music roundup lists a 5 p.m. time for the Nov. 22 performance.

The Woodlands Dance Company performs the annual Nutcracker to raise funds for local charities, according to the studio's website. This year's beneficiaries include Kids Meals Inc., Love Fosters Hope, Cassidy Joined For Hope, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, Project Playground, H.O.M.E., BIG Love Cancer Charity and the Dina Vail Scholarship Fund.

The production also offers a VIP Behind-the-Scenes Experience before both 3 p.m. matinees. Children can go behind the curtain, meet the Nutcracker's principal dancers, take photos, experience stage snow and receive special keepsakes and treats, according to the Woodlands Online listing. The backstage add-on requires a separate performance ticket.

A week before the Pavilion shows, the studio's 25th annual "Sugar Plum Dreams in the Land of Sweets" Nutcracker Tea Party takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott from noon to 2 p.m., according to a Woodlands Online event listing. The tea party features lunch, Nutcracker performances, children's activities, a silent auction and a graduating senior presentation honoring The Woodlands Dance Company's seniors. Tickets are $85 and $95 plus tax.

Nutcracker performance tickets are available through Ticketmaster, bonisdance.com and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Box Office.

Upcoming community events:

  • Nov. 14: "Sugar Plum Dreams" Nutcracker Tea Party, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, noon-2 p.m. Tickets: $85-$95 plus tax at bonisdance.com
  • Nov. 21-22: The Nutcracker 40th Anniversary, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, matinees at 3 p.m. both days. Tickets: Ticketmaster, bonisdance.com or Pavilion Box Office