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Dance

The Nutcracker Tickets

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Rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 4208 reviews

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The Nutcracker On Tour

Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each The Nutcracker is different from all others. Although it premiered in Saint Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre on December 18, 1892, composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker wouldn't become the dependably magical holiday-season reaffirmation of Christmas joy we know and love until decades later.

Marius Petipa, who commissioned Tchaikovsky's music, and Lev Ivanov originally choreographed the world's most popular ballet. It was loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' The Story of a Nutcracker, the French writer's adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was a fantastical story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Mourning the recent death of his sister, Tchaikovsky was often unhappy while composing the work, which he nonetheless imbued with some of his most enduringly gorgeous music. (The descending melody in the adagio section of the "Grand Pas de Deux" is said to reflect his feelings.)

Russian ballet was flourishing at the time The Nutcracker debuted, and no expense was spared. In Petipa's production, 60 snowflakes wore long white tutus and matching crowns adorned with fluff balls. The battle scene's soldiers, meanwhile, were recruited from a military academy rather than ballet school, leading to a less-than-elegant confrontation.

The Nutcracker was fated to become more popular abroad than in its birthplace, and was subsequently tailored to suit its new audiences. Encouraged by local Russian émigrés, Willam Christensen mounted the first full American production in San Francisco in 1944. Ten years later, George Balanchine choreographed a landmark version for the New York City Ballet, imbuing it with what Nutcracker Nation author Jennifer Fisher calls its "familial feeling." Balanchine's version was broadcast on national television a few years later with narration by June Lockhart (of Lassie fame).

While nearly every subsequent version of The Nutcracker contains falling snow, fighting mice, dancing candy, and a growing tree (asked to produce it without the tree, Balanchine reportedly replied, "No, the ballet is the tree"), some intriguing mutations have emerged. These include Nutcrackers on ice, the animated adaptation Walt Disney included in the 1940 movie Fantasia, and The Harlem Nutcracker, a swinging jazz revision by choreographer Donald Byrd. 

A remarkably resilient blend of complex classical ballet, popular imagery, and holiday nostalgia, The Nutcracker has taken on a life of its own since it first appeared one cold Russian winter over 100 years ago.

Reviews

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 based on 4208 reviews
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  • Great show!

    by Nancy on 12/25/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    Very professional on all levels! Orchestra, dancing and fun, light moments made the show very enjoyable.

  • Another great year!

    by Beth on 12/25/24Hershey Theatre - HersheyRating: 5 out of 5

    It was beautiful and perfect as always. We have been going every year for about 28 years!

  • very entertaining

    by JM on 12/25/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    Gigantic cast, live orchestra and good effects topped off by terrific choreography

  • Magical Music by Tchaikovsky

    by Birzhan Akhmetzhanov on 12/25/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    The Ballet production was wonderful, I recommend it to everyone. Ballet gives us Inspiration. The magical Music of Pyotr Tchaikovsky has a healing effect. I congratulate the whole world on Christmas. I wish you Love and Happiness.

  • Beautiful performance

    by Nikki on 12/25/24Jefferson Perf Arts Center - MetairieRating: 5 out of 5

    My daughter & I really enjoyed ourselves everything was so nice we will be back again next year

  • Spectacular

    by Living Life on 12/25/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    This performance was brilliant. From the stage designs to the special effects. The music was amazing. I loved the wardrobes and cultural variations being so unique. Choreography was different than other Nutcrackers I’ve seen. The venue in Long Beach was breathtaking both inside and outside the theater. Wonderful holiday and birthday celebration. Thank you.

  • Best Nutcracker!

    by Rachel on 12/24/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    Gone to many Nutcracker ballets! This is by far THE BEST!!!! Won’t go see it anywhere else. Try it, you will love it!!

  • Fantastic Show!

    by T-M on 12/24/24Bluma Appel Theatre - TorontoRating: 5 out of 5

    Wow this was just such a beautiful show! The dancers were amazing!! The isles were a little close to each other and there was no room between my knees and the chair in front of me so that was disappointing. But the show was worth it!

  • Wonderful

    by DanceMom on 12/24/24Jefferson Perf Arts Center - MetairieRating: 4 out of 5

    I really enjoyed the show. I chose this ballet made up of mostly children to take my daughter ( ballet student 8 yrs ) too. I was hoping it would inspire her to continue with her hard work in class. It did just that. She truly loved watching her first ballet on stage and then begged to see Swan Lake at intermission. Truly a magical production by the Jefferson Performing Arts Center. We will be back next year.

  • Great show

    by Td on 12/24/24Hershey Theatre - HersheyRating: 5 out of 5

    Show was great! I have been going to see this show for over 35 years. Am disappointed that there are no programs handed out and no live orchestra! Orchestra made this show very classy.

  • Amazing

    by Dance mom on 12/24/24Hershey Theatre - HersheyRating: 5 out of 5

    This performance of George Balanchine’s Nutcracker was incredible! The professionalism and perfection were evident from the beginning. Such beautiful dancing! It was an amazing show and so much fun! We will be back next year. Parking is convenient and free across the street. The theater could use more women’s restrooms though.

  • A Wonderful Performance and Experience

    by James M on 12/24/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    Once again, the LB Ballet and Orchestra put on a magnificent Nutcracker performance. I look forward to seeing it again in the years to come too.

  • Nutcracker

    by Ohhh on 12/24/24Hershey Theatre - HersheyRating: 5 out of 5

    Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Magical show

    by Rosi on 12/23/24Genesee Theatre - WaukeganRating: 5 out of 5

    The Dance Center North production of The Nutcracker did not disappoint. We have not been able to attend for several years. It has been a family tradition for myself, my daughters and three granddaughters. The dancing and costumes were beautiful. The music sounded great. The venue did not seem to be prepared for the large crowd. Valet parking was full thirty minutes before show time. There was little help from local police to direct traffic and keep pedestrians safe. We had to park several blocks away and trudge through snow in our dress clothes and shoes. However, we were able to overcome all this and enjoy the ballet! We will think twice about attending a Friday night show, prefer an afternoon matinee.

  • it was incredible

    by Valeriia on 12/23/24Terrace Theater - Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center - Long BeachRating: 5 out of 5

    The Nutcracker was incredible. Very festive, bright, with elements of the show. Very beautiful costumes and decorations, thank you for this atmosphere. I will definitely go again next year.

  • Holiday Spirit

    by JGinOakBrook on 12/23/24Genesee Theatre - WaukeganRating: 5 out of 5

    Wonderful show for the whole Family in such a beautiful theater! Mary & I just LOVE going to the Genesee! All the Actor Kids Were so Good & Worked so Hard at doing there jobs! EXCELLENT!!! It is a must see show especially for the Holidays, That Special Time Of Year!!!

  • Amazing

    by Alice in no wonderland on 12/23/24Genesee Theatre - WaukeganRating: 5 out of 5

    Show was so great several times my mouth was open in amazement of the talent on the stage

  • The Nutcracker

    by Suzy on 12/22/24Genesee Theatre - WaukeganRating: 5 out of 5

    A shortened but excellent version. The dancers were outstanding. Brought back fond childhood memories.

  • Absolutely Amazing!!

    by Mark on 12/20/24Grand Sierra Resort and Casino - RenoRating: 5 out of 5

    As the title says, the show was Absolutely Amazing!! The dancing, the set , the costumes, everything!!! This was my second year to see it. And it’s a new family tradition!!!!

  • Nutcracker!

    by MB on 12/18/24The Maryland Theatre - HagerstownRating: 5 out of 5

    What a lovely, well done performance of the classic Nutcracker ballet! Sound and lighting also did well! I was disappointed to see where our seats ‘actually’ were (tippy top, last row, behind every tall person in MD!) Nonetheless, we were delighted to be there!