“For many children, The Nutcracker will be their first experience of live theater. If you don’t want your child to talk during a performance, do what I do: Pour a handful of M&M’s – or any pellet-size candy – into his or her lap. (Skirts are ideally shaped; for pants, add a napkin.) … To optimize the viewing experience, here is a guide – in order of calendar appearance and including some options for older audiences – to help you decide on the right Nutcracker.”