How a ballet leads to dismay

The comedy is set in a retirement community that puts on an annual Christmas production. But this year, the residents are having trouble remembering their lines.

Their solution is to put on “The Nutcracker,” a play with no dialogue. Unfortunately, after all the tickets to their production are sold out, the actors realize "The Nutcracker" is a ballet.

“It’s a family-oriented show,” said Tom Ferris, the show’s director. “It is ridiculous, but it deals a little bit with what it means to grow older, and taking on new risks.”

Ferris said he’s excited to bring some humor to the holiday season.

“Actually, I thought it would be a nice contrast to the other versions of the ’Nutcracker’ ballet that are showing around Lansing,” he said.

’The Nutcracker’s Nuts’

RiverwalkTheatre

208 Museum Drive, Lansing

8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12

$15; $12 seniors

(517) 482-5700

www.riverwalktheatre.com