PASADENA, CA -- The Real Nut , by Barry Simon and Paul Hansen, will open Nov. 29 at the Milk and Cookies Theatre in Old Town Pasadena for a holiday run.

Adapted from "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffman, the fairy tale that became the famed ballet by Tchaikovsky, the play "weaves together puppetry, music, magical settings and the beguiling art of storytelling," said a company spokesperson. "Journey...to nineteenth century Nuremberg and the exotic land called Shambala. Thrill at the adventures of Marie and her bewitched nutcracker as they confront and defeat the evil, three-headed Mouse-King. Delight at their transformation as they learn the meaning of love and courage."

As creator of the L.A. Moving Van and Puppet Company, Hansen, whose approach to puppetry is based on the concept of "visible magic," traveled with his troupe all over southern California for fifteen years, staging hundreds of performances in schools, department stories and other offbeat locations.

"My goal is not to wow audiences with expensive special effects but to show them that their imaginations are a Magic Nation, a place where remarkable things can occur."

Simon, producer/director of The Real Nut, is a puppeteer himself and has also worked as a director in television and features. The Milk and Cookies Theatre is at 110 Martin Alley. For showtimes and tickets call (323) 660-8587.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent