Triple the fun

Even if The Nutcracker isn’t on your usual list of holiday must-sees, consider putting the opening-night performance on your list. That’s because a trio of dancers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and they’ll all perform together on opening night, December 11. For most of the show’s run, the Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced alternately by former Sacramento Ballet favorite Nina Baratova and current ballerina Amanda Peet. But for one-night only, these two will be joined by Melissa Sandvig in a trio of sweetness. Sandvig, a native Californian, was a finalist on season five of So You Think You Can Dance and was the first contestant to reach the finals with a background in classical dance. So do three Sugar Plum fairies make for a triple play, or is it a sugar overload? You be the judge.