Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff returns. Credit: Newport Contemporary Ballet

The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff returns for a 26th year, with performances at the Bellevue Avenue mansion from Nov. 25 through Dec. 4.

Presented by Newport Contemporary Ballet, the production moves audiences through the halls of Rosecliff as the ballet unfolds around them, rather than seating them in a theater.

This year’s production features a reimagined second act built around Newport landmarks and local pastimes, according to the company.

More than 60 children appear in the cast, drawn from the company’s Junior Company, the Academy at Newport Contemporary Ballet and other dance schools across Rhode Island.

The company also presents an annual matinee for third graders from Pell Elementary School in Newport, a tradition it is continuing this year.

Tickets are $159, $199 and $249 depending on tier, available at newportcontemporaryballet.org.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...