Present-it-yourself Oakland 'Nutcracker' eBay chance up for bid

By Robert Taylor

WANT TO BUY your own "Nutcracker"? The Oakland Ballet, recovering from a financial slump that canceled last season, has a deal for you.

The company isn't selling its entire production, complete with Mouse King and Snow Queen, but has put the rights to having your name above the title on the Paramount Theatre marquee ("Winning Bidder Presents 'Nutcracker'") on the block.

The ballet posted the "naming rights" Monday on eBay. The online auction service lists the starting bid at $25,000, but the ballet's executive director, Tony Caparelli, said the minimum is actually $40,000.