Last night was our big night in Mazatlan. We had tickets to attend El Cascanueces!
But first we had to have our weekly bath, hair combed, change of underwear, etc. and voila we were transformed from beach bums to regular theatre going folks!
We were a group of ten and the process of getting from here to there involves climbing into a few vehicles and driving to the Embarcadero where we changed transport to water taxis. Once we were on the other side of the channel we climbed into open air pulmonias which whisked us, literally – we had to hang on going around the corners – to Te Amo Lucy’s, the restaurant of choice for pre theatre dinner. 
Food was plentiful and served piping hot! James really loved his rabbit mole despite all the tiny bones! A one block walk to the Angela Peralta Theater where we joined the throngs attending the Nutcracker ballet! I bet you wondered what El Cascanueces meant!! We were attending a performance put on by the Escuela Municipal De Ballet Clasico (the local ballet school). In fact it was their 20th anniversary. But first the theatre itself…a little information from a Mazatlan online cultural site.
This theater was built in the early 1870’s and named the Rubio Theater. In 1883 however, the famous opera singer Angela Peralta ‘The Nightingale of Mexico’ arrived in Mazatlan to perform. Upon her arrival, the crowd that gathered to meet her unhitched the horses from her carriage and carried her to her hotel. She was so taken back by their enthusiasm that she performed to her fans from the balcony of her hotel. Unfortunately, the boat she arrived on carried the yellow fever, and she died before she could ever perform in the theater. The theater was soon after renamed after her, and a plaque commemorates her tragic death.
Unfortunately, the theater also had tragedy awaiting it. In later years, the theater was turned into a movie theater, then a vaudeville stage, a boxing ring and eventually a parking garage! Finally, in 1975, a hurricane hit Mazatlán and destroyed the inside of the theater. Standing in ruin for years, the theater began a restoration in 1987, and re-opened in 1992.
Once you walk through the doors you are in an open air lobby.
The theatre has three balconies with two rows of seating. The chairs are free standing so you can turn them to face the stage. We were seated in the orchestra near the back of the theatre. It seems that almost every seat has a great view of the stage. The lights along the balconies are strung just for the Christmas season. 
The ballet itself was delightful! 
After the performance we strolled past the Plazuela Machado where we spied a few tables of fellow rvers. They were dining post baseball game. The Venados won the game! Such a variety of activities to partake in in you so chose. I can see how those who live here in condos all winter do become a part of Mazatlan.
Though it would have been nice to linger for a drink the group elected to return to the Isla. A ‘red truck” was hired to transport the group as it could carry us all with room to spare. A simple truck with a roof and cushioned plank type of seat along each side. 
I rode with the driver!
Then once again down to the water taxi, a bit more tricky as it was dark out and much care had to be taken getting in & out of the boat. A smooth ride across to the Isla, a beautiful quarter moon and the many fireworks going off in honor of the Virgin de Guadalupe, celebrated today the 12th. A perfect end to a special night on the town.
