Above: The Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema production of "The Nutcracker" will screen on Sunday and Monday. (Photo/Fathom Events)

One of the things that many people look forward to every Christmas is “The Nutcracker.” I remember when my daughter auditioned for the production that played years ago in the old Spokane Opera House – now the First Interstate Center for the Arts.

She looked so cute in her tutu that I still can’t believe the idiot people didn’t choose her.

Anyway, “The Nutcracker” dates back to 1892 when the Russian composer Tchaikovsky adapted it as a two-act ballet from the short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” (by E.T.A. Hoffman).

The basic story involves a young girl on Christmas Eve who sees a nutcracker come alive, fight a band of mice and their king, then turn into a handsome prince who takes her off to the Land of Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy helps them fly away to – we presume – everlasting happiness.

Then the girl wakes up. Or something to that effect.

You’ll have a chance to check for sure on Sunday and Monday when the Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema will stage an encore presentation of “The Nutcracker” at Regal Northtown Mall. Screenings will begin at 12:55 p.m. on Sunday, 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Ballet fans may be familiar with the principal dancers: Semyon Chudin, Denis Savin, Margarita Shrainer, Alexandre Vodopetov and the Bolshoi Corps de Ballet.

One reviewer, writing for something called Broadway World, was ecstatic about the production. “For many, a performance of 'The Nutcracker' is the very essence of Christmas,” wrote Aliya Al-Hassan.” If you are able to access this version this year, it is a joyful, magical and incredibly elegant experience.”

A talented lot, for sure. Not a one of them will look as cute as my daughter did, though.