James Woods, 18, of Alexandria, Va., and senior at Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria Va. was selected by The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. to study music education, in the fall of 2017. Not only is he finishing up his high school studies at MSA, Woods worked as the music director for Aldersgate Community Children’s Theater (ACCT) with Elf Jr. and is also employed by the Educational Theatre Company of Arlington, Va. Go to www.metropolitanarts.org for more information on the school.

Metropolitan School of the Arts (MSA) of Alexandria, Va. will present their annual Nutcracker performances on Fri., Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 3 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.at the Northern Virginia Community College, Ernst Cultural Center at the Annandale Campus at 8333 Little River Turnpike. Ticket prices range from $26.50 to $30 and can be purchased online at www.metropolitanarts.org.

Audiences will join Clara and her Nutcracker in a magical journey from her Victorian home through the Land of Snow and into the Land of Sweets. The performance features a larger-than-life Christmas tree, more than 100 dancers, and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

Mexico isn’t just known for its beautiful beaches. Cook in Mexico is now taking guests to the heart of Mexico and the heart of Mexican cuisine. Cook in Tuscany, a Tuscan culinary tour, recently named one of the top 15 Foodie Destinations by USA Today, just launched its second culinary tour, Cook in Mexico in central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende. Cook in Mexico was created by Haymarket, Va.-based owners, George and Linda Meyers, a Northern Virginia couple that hosts their worldwide guests on cooking tours in Cook in Tuscany in authentic Tuscan kitchens, and guides guests on personalized Tuscan historic tours and truffle hunts. Now guests, can experience the traditional flavors and storytelling from the Mexican cooks, visit historic sites, dance to Mariachi and climb the ruins of Cañada de la Virgin. For more information, go to www.cookinmexico.kitchen or  www.cookintuscany.com.