ZEALnyc, December 9, 2016
Tis the season for snowflakes and sugarplums, and if you enjoy holiday traditions, there isn't anything more traditional than attending a performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. This classic ballet features music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with a libretto adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by way of Alexander Dumas' adapted story The Nutcracker. The première was in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, with choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Over the years it has been restaged by an array of famous choreographers, and is even updated from time to time (see below), but it always warms our hearts and allows us to experience the holidays through the eyes of a child once again.
Be sure to catch one of the numerous productions on view here in NYC this season -- you'll be glad you did.
For a tried-and-true traditional production, the New York City Ballet presents its 'Balanchine' version which debuted in 1954 and has played virtually every year since. It runs the full month of December, with its last performance on New Year's Eve. All performances take place at the David H. Koch Theatre, Lincoln Center. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
If you're looking for a New York-centric themed Nutcracker, then this one's for you! This year marks the 21st anniversary of The Yorkville Nutcracker set in 1895. Journey 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 Gardens and ice skating in Central Park. Performances take place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on December 8-11, 2016. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Former ballerina with both New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, Gelsey Kirkland, established her own company in 2010 and it has been growing steadily ever since. Their annual performances of the holiday classic will take place December 10-20, 2016 at their home venue -- The GK Arts Center in Dumbo, Brooklyn. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
For something completely different -- Mark Morris Dance Group's beloved retro-modern reimagining of The Nutcracker comes back to BAM for the holidays in the form of The Hard Nut. A cascade of wit and wintry beauty, this lavish, gender-bent love letter to the classic transplants E.T.A. Hoffmann's original story from the straight-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a Waltz of the Snowflakes like no other. Based on the comic book art of Charles Burns and featuring Tchaikovsky's complete original score, performed live by the 53-piece MMDG Music Ensemble, Morris' lyrical, modern retelling playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
And now if you're REALLY looking for a different take on the classic, there's Nutcracker Rouge, presented by Company XIV. It is described as "a sexy and romantic take on the classical ballet featuring opera, circus, and burlesque." It is a "reimagining of the beloved Nutcracker tale told with erotic, sensual and opulent flair." Performances take place at The Irondale Theatre (85 S Oxford Street, Fort Greene, Brooklyn). For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
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