LA SALLE - Experience the wonder of New York City Ballet’s iconic holiday classic, “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. when the LaSalle Public Library virtually presents a film recording of the 2001 performance.

In this production, Tschaikovsky’s beloved melodies will transport the young and the young at heart to the magical world where mischievous mice besiege a battalion of toy soldiers, and an onstage blizzard leads to an enchanted Land of Sweets. Balanchine’s stunning choreography shines amidst awe-inspiring set pieces, ornate costumes, and grand one-of-a-kind visual effects, like the one-ton Christmas tree that grows to an astonishing 40 feet. “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” based on the Alexandre Dumas version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (1816), is one of the most complex theatrical, staged ballets in the New York City Ballet’s active repertory.

A program guide with information on cast and crew will be available free to download through the Library’s website (lasalle.lib.il.us). The film presentation is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This program is free and open to all and will be presented via Zoom. Register online at https://bit.ly/3cX5MOE.

For more information, please contact the LaSalle Public Library at (815) 223-2341 or e-mail Rachael Blomquist at rblomquist@lasalle.lib.il.us.