See 200+ local dancers in Magic City Nutcracker—get your tickets now

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Now in its 12th year, the Magic City Nutcracker brings culture, grace, and, well, magic, to the Birmingham area. Part of what makes it so fun is that the cast is made up of local talent of all ages.

Good news for us, this show is coming back to the historic Lyric Theatre this December 5-7. Hurry and get your tickets now—they sell fast!

Know before you go: Magic City Nutcracker

• What: Join Clara on a magical journey as she battles the Rat Queen, visits the Land of Snow + meets the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets.
• What’s unique: An original version of the Nutcracker ballet featuring 260+ community dancers and guests from Mauro Ballet from Puerto Rico as the Sugar Plum Fairy + Cavalier
• When: December 5-7
  • Friday, December 5: 7PM
  • Saturday, December 6: 2PM + 7PM
  • Sunday, December 7: 1PM + 5PM
• Where: The Lyric Theatre, 1800 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• How much: $37-$65
• Get tickets now

What makes Magic City Performing Arts so special is the way every dancer comes together on one stage.

This year’s Nutcracker features guest professional principals from Puerto Rico in the iconic roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, performing alongside beloved local professionals including Journy Davis and Bryn Wilkes-Davis. They share the stage with dedicated students and the tiniest dancers in our community, all working together to bring this story to life.

It creates the kind of cast that feels uniquely Magic City… a blend of talent, heart and belonging that you won’t find anywhere else

Born from a love of community + dance

Providing high-quality instruction and serving dancers from all backgrounds, Magic City Performing Arts (MCPA) creates a place of belonging for everyone who participates.

“Magic City Performing Arts was born from a beautiful idea: What if we created a ballet community where everyone belongs and every dancer can flourish?”

Magic City Performing Arts

The company is known for engaging performances year-round, including the free Ballet in the Park every spring at Railroad Park. Plus, their spring 2026 show, The Little Mermaid, is already in the works.

What makes Magic City Performing Arts different?

What makes MCPA so special is the way every dancer comes together on one stage.

Passionate about giving back through dance and “enriching the fabric of the local culture,” MCPA is poised to make a tremendous impact in Greater Birmingham.

Yes, they do this through year-round performances, but they also build community connections by:

• Teaching dance at local Boys and Girls Clubs
• Gifting hundreds of performance tickets to non-profit organizations
• Creating pathways for dancers to give back through a Junior Ambassador program

“This year marks our 12th anniversary of Magic City Nutcracker at the historic Lyric Theatre, but our impact extends far beyond the stage. We provide scholarships to both ensure financial barriers never prevent a child from dancing and that students who are inspired to continue with dance after high school have the opportunity to do so.

Every program is designed with one goal: creating a space where the beauty, athleticism and artistry of ballet builds community and provides an opportunity for dancers of all backgrounds a place to shine brightly.”

Stephanie Rangel, Artistic Director, Magic City Performing Arts

Fun fact: A portion of Magic City Nutcracker ticket sales benefits MCPA’s outreach dance classes at the Birmingham Boys and Girls Club.

By attending a MCPA performance, you’re not only watching an amazing performance but supporting local artists as well.

Get your tickets for the Magic City Nutcracker, explore upcoming events + keep up with all things Magic City Performing Arts on Facebook and Instagram.

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