A ‘Nutcracker’ for every artistic taste

Deck the halls. There are already plenty of “Nutcracker” stagings on view in the Southland, but two of the year’s most eagerly awaited versions arrive this weekend. At the Shrine Auditorium, the stylish, Russian-influenced Universal Ballet of Korea dances Vasily Vainonen’s “Nutcracker” tonight, Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, at the Wilshire Theatre, the brand new Los Angeles Ballet introduces a “Nutcracker” by its artistic directors (Thordal Christensen and Colleen Neary) Saturday and Sunday, before taking the production to Redondo Beach and Glendale.

Universal Ballet “Nutcracker,” Shrine Auditorium, 665 W. Jefferson Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. tonight and Friday. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. $33 to $97. (213) 480-3232.

Los Angeles Ballet “Nutcracker,” Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. $16 to $95. (310) 998-7782 or www.losangelesballet.org.

* Also Dec. 23, 24 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., and Dec. 30, 31 at the Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. (310) 998-7782 or www.losangelesballet.org.