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Bushnell/ Belding Theater
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David H. Koch Theater
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California Theatre
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Bankhead Theater - Livermore Valley PAC
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Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
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Harris Theater
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Brown Theatre-Wortham Center
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.
It was amazing to see the children dressed up for a day at The Nutcracker. This particular Nutcracker was choreographed in a wonderful way. Loved the fact that Clara danced her way to intermission. The music never gets old. Watching the wonder in most of the audience was the best part. It felt like the happiest of times in these, often, sad times. Security was good. Thank you Ballet Memphis.
Great performance- great dancing. A real family event. My only disappointment was the portrayal of the maid and butler instead of the grandparents. Otherwise we’ll done! Bravo !
Sunday matinee with daughters and granddaughters. Bought tickets early in order to sit up close in the orchestra seating which is more comfortable for longer legged people. The talent level of the Memphis Ballet is very impressive. The set production was quite lovely. My only problem was the length of the ballet including intermission. 2 1/2 hours is a bit long for small children and some adults !! All in all 5 stars and I look forward to it again next year.
I have been to this production numerous times in the last 40 years. Nothing compares to this one! It was amazing!! True talent!!! Can’t wait to come back to the Orpheum and see again next year!! To the cast and orchestra.... you were truly amazing!! Thanks for using your time and talent to share a wonderful experience with the public during this special Christmas season! Your hard work has truly blessed others and allowed them to make lifelong memories with their families.
It was decent. But not worth the money, super expensive
Maurice Curry’s Nutcracker is wonderful. Great dancing and live orchestra.
This was the first time seeing the Nutcracker at the Orpheum and it was such an enjoyable experience. It will be part of a Christmas tradition from now on.
The ballet was beautiful as usual. Only problem was show started late. Wish the audience knew basic theatre going manners.
The Nutcracker was amazing! It was a very professional production that our out of town guests were amazed by! They never knew that we have a ballet company of this caliber in Memphis. They want to travel back to Memphis next year just for this production! Thanks for the memories. We also loved the younger ballerinas' performances and love that Ballet Memphis includes local talent in the area.
I really don’t think this production could’ve wowed any more than it did! From the sets to the performances to the costumes to even the “vibe” it was SO wonderful!!!
We absolutely love the Nutcracker! It has become a tradition for my family to attend yearly. The orchestra, children’s choir, talented ballet company and set make it such a magical experience for all!
Flawless choreography. Very impressive stuff the whole performance. The party in Act I went on a bit long, but that's not anyone's fault but Tchaikovsky's.
Everything about the Eglevsky Nutcracker performance was wonderful. The dancers, orchestra and set all came together so well that it made the show a magical experience.
Took my wife, my daughter in law, and three grandkids to this performance. We all thoroughly enjoyed this group of young people. I would recommend this to everyone.
Absolutely wonderful, had the time of my life. The dancers were on point, the costumes were beautiful. So worth it ❤️
Professional, beautiful and amazing. I always take the children here for their first ballet. It’s always an awesome production.
It was a wonderful show. Best Nutcracker ever. I would recommend it to everyone.
Not only was it a great show, but the shroudings we're fantastic.
My wife and I found the play to be very well planned out and acting was superb.
I have attended the ballet in Manhattan many times. This was my first experience with this company and was very very impressed. Thank you for a wonderful performance. Happy Holidays