HOLIDAY | 'A Christmas Carol' and 'Great Russian Nutcracker' 

Productions of two classics aim to awaken your holiday spirit. Geva Theatre Center is staging its popular "A Christmas Carol" – with a cast of 34, its largest production. Geva's elaborate set and costumes take you straight back to Dickens' England. And at the Auditorium Theatre, the award-winning Moscow Ballet brings the "Great Russian Nutcracker" for a single performance this week, with costumes and sets that include life-sized Matryoshka dolls and a troika sleigh.

"A Christmas Carol" runs through Sunday, December 27, at Geva Theatre; the performance lasts for two hours, including intermission. Children under 5 are not admitted. For reservations and a full show schedule: gevatheatre.org or call 232-4382. The Moscow Ballet's performance of "Great Russian Nutcracker" is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 3. Tickets can be bought aThet www.rochester-theater.com or by calling (800) 430-8903.