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Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre
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Lineup
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Covey Center for the ArtsTheater
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War Memorial Opera House
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California Theatre
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Arlington Theatre
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Ridgefield Playhouse
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Warner Theatre - PA
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Proctor's Theatre
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Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
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Wilson Center-NC
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Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
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Florida Theatre Jacksonville
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.
Ballet Virginia and The Virginia Beach Symphonicity were wonderful. My daughter and I really enjoyed the performance. Definitely helped me get into the Christmas spirit!!
To not start the show on time because people don’t know how to tell time is disrespectful for those that did plan and manage their time correctly. It would be one thing if it was just a few minutes but 20 minutes is ridiculous. What happened to the Nutcracker?! Act 2 was insane. Hot chocolate? Candy canes? I have been going to the Nutcracker since I was 6 years old and this was the first time I’ve ever been disappointed. Why change something that has a history and tradition? I will be looking for another ballet company if this continues into next year. Very disappointing.
We (my wife and I) enjoyed the Nutcracker. We have seen it many times, but this year's performance was refreshing and different. Although I am more partial to previous performances, with Clara sleeping and dreaming, this year's play was equally good. The performers did outstanding, especially Clara. I would highly recommend any performance that the Virginia Ballet participates in.
They gave it a good try and it was nice but they might consider upping their game for next year. The dances for Spain, Arabia and Russia need some work. Otherwise, we had a lovely evening. It is a lovely ballet and story.
Took.my 4 granddaughters to our annual outing to the nutcracker. We enjoyed it very much. This is our first time at this venue. Enjoyed everything about this visit.
Absolutely FABULOUS production -- by far the best in LA County!! I highly recommend the PDT "Nutcracker"for ages 5 to 105!
The professionalism of the performance leaves much to be desired. The ballet program in some places does not correspond to the true program.
Great time at the ballet. Started a little late however was well worth the experience. Suggestion read up on the story line before seeing it.
I didn’t realize that this particular performance of The Nutcracker would be a dance recital with local up and coming dancers including teenagers and young children Although the performance was good, I would have preferred to have attended the ballet performed by the professional dancers
A Cajun spin on a classic. Beautiful choreography and costumes. The special effects and orchestra made the play spectacular.
It was everything we hoped for. I was a little nervous about the changes to previous seasons which I will always be fond of but this season was wonderful in every way. Well done Ballet Memphis and Memphis Symphony! Fantastic.
Was a wonderful play and buying tickets was so easy
After seeing many Nutcracker productions over the past 12 years, I will have to say this was the most fun and entertaining. It had little things that could have detracted from the enjoyment but because it was so engaging those things are easily overlooked. The first act contained some very entertaining choreography that made me laugh and I found myself dancing in my seat. Additionally, there was some fresh interpretation of the traditional story that included developing the plot over much of the first act. This production also included some fine acting as well as fine ballet. The orchestra provided exceptional support to the dancers, the plot, and must have made Tchaikovsky proud. My one regret is I did not get tickets to see it more than once since it had a limited run. Ballet Virginia with Symphonicity should be very proud of what they accomplished with their Nutcracker production.
I hadn’t seen the Nutcracker in years, and this performance may be what keeps me coming back in future years. Very well done, and the skill of the dancers was amazing, Two thumbs up for sure!
It was very nice experience to attend to this show. Dancers were exceptional! The only down part was that the show started one hour late.
It was an amazing show the dancers were awesome very good in their craft I would see it again
Delightful production. The marketplace setting had impeccable detail and was fun to watch. The pyrotechnics were a nice touch as well. Extra commendation to the dance team (Caramel?) that had the dancers connected (and performing) using some form of cloth wrap between them.
I’ve been on the front row for the Memphis Ballet’s Nutcracker for the past 15 years. Always amazing. This year we got an update with new costumes and sets that are Memphis themed. I was apprehensive going in, but loved the home style treatment that only added to what I love. Great Job Memphis Ballet and MSO too.
I have seen the Nutcracker multiple times, but this was my favorite experience!
Every year we see San Diego Ballet’s Nutcracker and they never disappoint. Once again the whole family was thrilled with the talent, costumes and experience.