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Dance

The Nutcracker Tickets

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About

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 ĂŠmigrĂŠs, 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 4209 reviews
  • Impressive

    by Kim on 12/14/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    What a fantastic performance! We were truly impressed by the talent of all dancers.

  • Good show rough venue

    by RACHEL J. on 12/14/21Heymann Performing Arts Center - LafayetteRating: 4 out of 5

    The show was great. I loved watching the dancers. The venue however was so hot and miserable it made it difficult to enjoy the show. People were very uncomfortable.

  • First Ballet

    by Iowan2 on 12/14/21Adler Theatre - DavenportRating: 4 out of 5

    first ballet, The Nutcracker is an every year tradition for thousands, and we talked to several that were on their second, and one said third different performance of the Nutcracker. The show was very good. Music, set, dancing, all very good and near perfection to my untrained eye. We love the Adler and all the staff are attentive and helpful. We keep a lookout for events at the Adler because it is such a great venue. And we can have a reason to splurge and stay at the adjoining Hotel Black Hawk. Also a great experience.

  • Great show - Small Seats

    by KS on 12/14/21Adler Theatre - DavenportRating: 4 out of 5

    The show was fabulous. Very talented performers and musicians. The seats are very small and narrow, if you are plus sized.

  • Wonderful show and experience!

    by A. K. on 12/14/21The Stanley - UticaRating: 5 out of 5

    The performers were great! So happy to have been able to see The Nutcracker and in The Stanley Theatre! Everyone involved did the tradition a solid one :)

  • Fantasy

    by JPSM on 12/14/21Adler Theatre - DavenportRating: 5 out of 5

    Wonderful. Looking forward to next year!!! Must see event.

  • Great show, venue a bit lacking

    by KidWrangler on 12/14/21DECC Symphony Hall - DuluthRating: 4 out of 5

    The show itself was dynamite! The venue lacked a way for people to purchase drinks. They had a few soda machines in the hockey arena (game going on at the time) but the lines were long and machines did not accept cards. Found one in the basement that did accept cards but wouldn't allow any to go through. And those with cash were unable to purchase for some reason. Another machine nearby was unplugged. We hit up the drinking fountain but if the concern over not offering refreshments is COVID related, I would.imagine a drinking fountain to be a petri dish of germs! Kids everywhere were thirsty, which in turn made us adults quite thirsty too...

  • My grandsons loved it!

    by Barbara on 12/14/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    Glad to see The Nutcracker in the new Columbia Co facility. The performance was great! For some reason it started 20 minutes late and then had a singer perform after intermission. His performance seemed out of place. With so many children in the audience and in the ballet, everyone would like to skip the delays.

  • Great grandmother to one of the dancers.

    by Grandma Z on 12/13/21The Stanley - UticaRating: 3 out of 5

    A fabulous show - had an 8 yr old great granddaughter dancing in it, and she loved the whole atmosphere and did a super job in my eyes! Of course, I was totally disappointed that the younger dancers never got to make a finale bow as the main professional and older dancers did. This group may be only beginners and new to the ballet world, but their parents pay quite a bit of money to have them experience dance. Seems like the least the troupe and leaders could do is allow them a finale curtain call! Thank you

  • A great rendering and so special to Duluth! We loved it!

    by Mushmoe on 12/13/21DECC Symphony Hall - DuluthRating: 5 out of 5

    The kids, costumes, story all wrapped up in the traditional music. 👌

  • New interpretation, still a great show!

    by Andi on 12/13/21DECC Symphony Hall - DuluthRating: 5 out of 5

    Such a wonderful show. My family and I were able to experience a classic story told in a familiar environment. An interpretation that didn't stray too far from it's origins and kept Minnesota close to it's heart. The performers, as always, were amazing and talented. Nice new twist to a Classic.

  • Great show

    by Best concert ever on 12/13/21Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center - Red BankRating: 5 out of 5

    It was the first time my daughter and I went to a theater. The experience was incredible. The show was amazing! We loved it.

  • NoEL n Nutcracker JOY!

    by Diane on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    Ron n Kathleen Jones, Nutcracker participants, volunteers all were extraordinary! Friends n family of 4 generations are deLIGHTed to make it a tradition. We especially loved the brief manger babe n exquisite Angels of Heaven, the amazing beauty of the Arabian duo— the extensions n lifts mesmerizing—and of course, Clara, the Prince, the Sugarplum Fairy, n the mysterious Uncle Düsseldorf! Bravo! Columbia County PAC is wonderful except for lack of help for handicapped n elderly who can’t afford more expensive seats n are forced to struggle up many stairs to fit in very tight seats. Many with hip knee ambulatory n respiratory conditions were exhausted getting to balcony seats. A few were in such physical discomfort they left before the Best of Nutcracker after intermission. PLEASE consider escalator$&$or elevator$$$ to the top. Jumbotron screens on top balcony BEAMS would be tremendous help for eye strain! Sounds of music n Anastasia n Fiddler were wonderful! God bless all Columbia County Ballet n performing arts. God’s wisdom for our Columbia County planners n tax payer$$ to appropriate funds for handicap assistance at CCPAC soon!

  • Wonderful performance of the Nutcracker

    by Cindi W on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    Drove to see granddaughters first performance in The Nutcracker. We had seats up in the balcony near the last row. Viewing of the stage was wonderful and the friendly feel of hometown was evident with it being the Columbia-Augusta Ballet company. The stage sets were beautiful and was impressive that all the work was done by volunteers. The Columbia County Performing Arts Center was the perfect venue and very well designed. Bravo for bringing Such entertainment for the Christmas season.

  • Wonderful

    by Jasmine on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 4 out of 5

    It was a great performance. Really enjoyed the mouse kings moon walk onto the stage and the dancers were a joy to watch.

  • Great tradition for holidays

    by Mamacitax3 on 12/13/21Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center - Red BankRating: 5 out of 5

    My 3 daughters fell in love with the nutcracker show very young. Now 1 dances with CODA for past 3 performances and we love it as a Lb annual tradition!

  • We love the nutcracker!

    by Pooh on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    Love seeing theater for the first time. Not a fan of balcony but loved the performance and will be back. Also Santa was great and staff so nice.

  • We Loved It

    by D. H. on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    The performance of the Nutcracker was wonderful. It has been a long time since I attended but it won't be my last. The Sugar Plum Fairy was so magical. Loved it.....just loved it.

  • Excellent

    by William from Evans, GA on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    The Columbia County ballet was exceptional Friday night. Much talent. And we thoroughly enjoyed seeing it in the Columbia County performing arts Center. Beautiful.

  • Impressive event

    by Mbald on 12/13/21Columbia County Performing Arts Center - EvansRating: 5 out of 5

    Impressive local performance of the Nutcracker. The new Columbia County Performing Arts Center was beautiful, spacious, and easy to navigate with the seating sections, rows, and seats displayed. They offered drinks, to include alcohol for those interested, and snacks throughout different areas. The bathrooms were easily accessible, even offering a family bathroom for those with little ones. I would absolutely attend another show here.