For $16, today's side deal gets you one ticket to see Salt Creek Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker at Governors State University's Center for Performing Arts in University Park on Saturday, December 11 at 5 p.m. (a $33 value).

Salt Creek Ballet combines young talent with experienced, classically trained artistic directors for innovative dance performances. Enjoy the company’s slippered staging of The Nutcracker, the classic holiday tale of young Clara and her beloved wooden shell-shatterer, from main floor, mezzanine, or balcony seats. Before the show, audience members can take pictures with Santa Claus—whose ballet career was cut short by back problems—and sing along with holiday carolers.

Reviews

Salt Creek Ballet's 2008 performance of The Nutcracker received a positive review from Hinsdale Suburban Life, and prior to the start of this year's run, The Doings Hinsdale featured the production:

• It's estimated that more than 43,000 people have made the Salt Creek Ballet part of their holidays in the 25 years since the tradition began. Each year the Westmont-based school and its talented dancers bring the whimsical tale of young Clara and her magical Christmas Eve journey to several local stages. – Sandy Illian Bosch, The Doings Hinsdale
• The merriment and magic of the season are mirrored in the fanciful tale “The Nutcracker,” a perennial favorite of the Salt Creek Ballet, which features young dancers and professional guest artists…The appeal of the holiday favorite is evergreen. – Renee Tomell, Hinsdale Suburban Life