No holiday season is complete without the timeless classic Christmas Story of The Nutcracker, a whimsical tale of a family's Christmas eve celebration. Adapted from the story by E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and originally premiering in Russia in 1891, the ballet made its debut in the United States in the 1940s with the San Francisco Ballet. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's music, has now become a perennial favorite during the Christmas season. Here are five unique Nutcracker performances you won't want to miss this year:
Nunnbetter Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker, performed by NDT students, pre-professional and professional dancers, is an annual treat for family, friends and the community at large—a wonderful start to the holiday season!
When: Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6
Times: 12/4: 7PM, 12/5: 2PM & 7PM, 12/6: 3PM
Where: Bergen County Academies, 200 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack, NJ
Who: Best for ages 3 and up.
How: Purchase tickets in advance here or at the Box Office.
Cost: $17, $25 or $30 per person plus service fees.
For more info: Call 201-385-9638.
Year after year, this first-rate traditional production of The Nutcracker never fails to enchant youngsters and grownups alike with amazing special effects, colorful costumes, gorgeous scenery and dancing by New Jersey Ballet's acclaimed troupe of international artists.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Yorkville Nutcracker, set in 1895, which includes lavish sets and costumes and takes the audience on a tour through Olde New York's most beloved landmarks, including a holiday party at Gracie Mansion, dancing at the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park. The Yorkville Nutcracker provides an opportunity for young dancers to dance alongside professional artists.
Year after year, this first-rate traditional production of The Nutcracker never fails to enchant youngsters and grownups alike with amazing special effects, colorful costumes, gorgeous scenery and dancing by New Jersey Ballet's acclaimed troupe of international artists.
When: Saturday, December 5 through Sunday, December 6
Time: 1PM and 4:30PM each day
Where: bergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ
Who: All are welcome.
How: Purchase tickets online here, call the Box Office at 201-227-1030, or purchase tickets in-person (least expensive because it avoids the phone and internet charge).
Cost: $29, $39, $49, plus a $3 restoration fee per ticket and $6 charge per order if ordering by phone or online.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Yorkville Nutcracker, set in 1895, which includes lavish sets and costumes and takes the audience on a tour through Olde New York's most beloved landmarks, including a holiday party at Gracie Mansion, dancing at the Crystal Palace in the New York Botanical Garden, and skating in Central Park. The Yorkville Nutcracker provides an opportunity for young dancers to dance alongside professional artists.
When: Thursday, December 10 through Sunday, December 13
Time: 12/10-12/11: 7PM, 12/12: 2PM & 7PM, 12/13: 12PM & 5PM
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter Colllege, E. 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, New York, NY
Who: All are welcome.
How: Tickets are available at www.dancespatrelle.org, by phone at 212-772-4448, or in person at The Kaye Playhouse Box Office.
Cost: Tickets are $45-85 (student and senior discounts available).
For more info: Visit www.dancespatrelle.org.
Created especially for families with children ages 5-10, The Colonial Nutcracker sets Tchaikovsky's classic ballet in wintry colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. The production features classics such as "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Snowflakes," a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and compelling narration that will enhance young viewers' understanding and enjoyment of this timeless story. Rose Menes' delightful staging and choreography, coupled with colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's enduring score, will captivate audiences of all ages. The running time is approximately 2 hours plus an intermission.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky's score through explosive choreography performed by eleven all-star dancers, DJ Boo, a live violinist, and the legendary Kurtis Blow – set in a contemporary urban neighborhood. It's the classic Nutcracker story with a modern twist: through the spells cast by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her prince, Myron, travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s New York City - celebrating love, community and the magic of New Year's Eve.
Created especially for families with children ages 5-10, The Colonial Nutcracker sets Tchaikovsky's classic ballet in wintry colonial Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. The production features classics such as "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and "Waltz of the Snowflakes," a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and compelling narration that will enhance young viewers' understanding and enjoyment of this timeless story. Rose Menes' delightful staging and choreography, coupled with colorful costumes and Tchaikovsky's enduring score, will captivate audiences of all ages. The running time is approximately 2 hours plus an intermission.
When: Sunday, December 13
Time: 2PM - 4PM
Where: Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College, Whitman Theater, 2900 Avenue H, Brooklyn, New York
Who: Families with children ages 5-10.
How: Purchase tickets at BrooklynCenter.org or by calling the box office at 718-951-4500 (Tue-Sat, 1-6PM).
Cost: $18 per person.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker reimagines Tchaikovsky's score through explosive choreography performed by eleven all-star dancers, DJ Boo, a live violinist, and the legendary Kurtis Blow – set in a contemporary urban neighborhood. It's the classic Nutcracker story with a modern twist: through the spells cast by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her prince, Myron, travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's story of a palace of sugarplums into a romance set in 1980s New York City - celebrating love, community and the magic of New Year's Eve.
When: Saturday, December 19
Time: 3PM-5PM
Where: NJPAC, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Who: Ages 6 and up.
How: Purchase tickets in advance through NJPAC.org or call 888-GO-NJPAC (888-466-5722).
Cost: $29-$79 per ticket.
For more info: Visit njpac.org.
