Santa's Magical Holiday Wonderland

Celebrate the holiday season with Santa, princesses, storybook characters, and more at Dominion Energy Center's Bob and Sally Mooney Hall, alongside the fabulous holiday productions of Richmond Ballet's The Nutcracker and Cadence's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical this December! Presented by Cadence with assistance from Richmond Ballet, this magical experience promises fun for the whole family!

Giving Back

All event proceeds benefit Richmond Ballet’s Ballet for All community ticket program and Cadence's educational and outreach programs, ensuring that young minds have the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

About Cadence and STAGE WRITE

Cadence is a Richmond-based arts educational organization that offers programs for children, youth and adults by providing a safe and creative space for self-expression, cultural exploration, and individual growth. The arts always have and continue to promote social changes and expanding perceptions. The programs and opportunities Cadence offers encourage public dialogue, cultural exchange, and candid reflection on critical issues. Cadence is also committed to presenting contemporary, award-winning theater and film works that inspire discovery, contemplation, and empathy. These life-changing art educational programs are making a positive impact on students in the Richmond community. To learn more about Cadence, visit cadence theatre.org. 

The STAGE WRITE College Prep & Workforce Readiness Program provides Richmond and regional high school students with an opportunity to gain experience in critical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, and teamwork through writing and performing narratives that are directly relevant to the issues they face in their own lives.

Upcoming Performance Info: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, December 13-22, 2024

Cadence is delighted to present The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical for eight performances at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, based on the best-selling book by Barbara Robinson. The musical follows the chaotic story of the Herdman kids, the worst-behaved children in town, who land the lead roles in the church's Christmas pageant, forcing the director and Reverend to help the community discover the true meaning of Christmas. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical features music and lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner with the book and lyrics by Jahnna Beecham. 

About Richmond Ballet and Ballet for All

Since its early days as a civic company in the 1950s, Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, has flourished as a home for the past, present, and future of dance. Richmond Ballet boasts an expansive repertory that includes 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces as well as nearly 90 new ballets by contemporary choreographers. The Company made its international debut in London in 2012, followed by a tour to China in 2015, and has performed at The Joyce Theater in New York City in 2005, 2008, 2010 and, most recently, in May of 2017. The Ballet’s scope also includes its acclaimed School of Richmond Ballet and Minds In Motion community engagement program. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Ma Cong, and the enduring legacy of Founding Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, Richmond Ballet continues to further its mission to awaken, uplift, and unite human spirits through the power of dance. For more information on Richmond Ballet, visit richmondballet.com.

The Ballet for All community ticket program is a special initiative that provides up to 600 free tickets to select performances of The Nutcracker each season to local nonprofit organizations. Through this program, Richmond Ballet seeks to foster a more diverse and inclusive community of dance patrons, while providing transformative performing arts experiences to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. To learn more, visit richmondballet.com/balletforall.

Don’t forget your tickets to Cadence's and Richmond Ballet's live performances!