DANCE : They can steal the props, but not the holiday spirit of ‘The Nutcracker’

The Grinch nearly stole Christmas from the South Bay Youth Theatre Guild this season.

The Sugar Plum Fairy was dancing in guild members’ heads until a theft last week of props worth thousands of dollars threatened to cancel the group’s annual production of “The Nutcracker.”

Stolen were two sets of Victorian furniture, mannequins, wigs, antique clothes, a grandfather clock and thousands of dollars in decorations and Christmas tree ornaments, said guild spokeswoman Marles Ramsey. Crystal sconces valued at more than $5,000 are also missing.

“They’re not stealing from us. They’re stealing from the children who enjoyed this,” Ramsey said.”

The props were not insured. But the guild has borrowed enough Victorian furniture and decorations from other theater companies and friends to fill the stage in time for Saturday night’s opening.

The guild has presented “The Nutcracker” for 24 years. The performance includes the Tchaikovsky ballet and a show in the theater lobby featuring the story’s party scene to allow children a closer look.

Despite the theft, the group has managed to pull together a show as opulent as any in the past, producer Bonnie Anderson said. The traditional 40-foot Christmas tree will still rise like magic from the stage and the Sugar Plum Fairy is ready to dance.

“The show will go on as usual,” she said. “The set is beautiful.”

The show, presented in conjunction with the South Bay Center for the Performing Arts, will feature dancers from the Santa Monica-based Westside Ballet Co. Members of the American Ballet Theatre will dance the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Prince.

The audience will be serenaded in the lobby by a chorale singing holiday favorites. Children can visit Santa Claus and meet the storytelling “Balloon Man,” who creates balloon art. A gift boutique will offer “Nutcracker” gift items.

Actor Gavin MacLeod of television’s “The Love Boat” will introduce and host the production. MacLeod’s daughter once performed in guild productions, Anderson said.

“The Nutcracker” will be performed in the Marsee Auditorium of El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance. Show times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 and $18, $8 for children 12 and younger.

Information: (800) 832-ARTS.