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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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  • Amazing, the dancers were on point!

    by Kimoy on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 5 out of 5

    Myself and my girls were in awe. We loved the performance! Looking forward to next year!

  • Very cute reimagining of a classic.

    by Micki on 12/17/24The Orpheum Theatre Memphis - MemphisRating: 4 out of 5

    The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition for our family! I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed that this version wasn’t the classic interpretation of the original Nutcracker. That being said, the dancers were fantastic, and the orchestra was amazing, as usual. Overall, it was a charming reimagining of a beloved classic, and I look forward to next year’s performance.

  • First time at a ballet and it was wonderful!

    by Arpine on 12/17/24William Saroyan Theatre Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center - FresnoRating: 5 out of 5

    We really enjoyed this show. We would go again. Everyone did an amazing job.

  • Christmas Nutcracker

    by Ebon on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 5 out of 5

    It was soooo nice!!! I was not expecting it to be such a professionally done show from the playbill to the dancers!!! It was like a Broadway show! I dragged my son with me to the show and he even loved it and this is not usually his "thing". Thank you for such discounted tickets! Congratulations to all who performed - you were spectacular!!! Happy Holidays!

  • Nutcracker Orpheum Memphis

    by Mimi on 12/17/24The Orpheum Theatre Memphis - MemphisRating: 5 out of 5

    It's amazing family event. Show was wonderful and staff was very helpful.

  • nutcracker review

    by Gold on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 5 out of 5

    Beautiful rendition. great dancers. The children actors were magnificent. Awesome show. I would recommend this show to friends and family.

  • GREAT SHOW!!!

    by Glenn on 12/17/24The Maryland Theatre - HagerstownRating: 5 out of 5

    Excellent dancers; awesome music; excellent theatre staff.

  • Mediocre

    by Lexie213 on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 4 out of 5

    The performance was good but it would have been a memorial experience if a live band was used for the music. Thank you Lehman college for hosting this event. I do feel the seats are uncomfortable and small. I had a man sit next to me that was very tall and his whole thigh was touching me because he didn't fit in his seat also he was with his family so they kept getting up and the steep stairs and small seats did not help in getting up and down every time especially when you have a senior citizen with you. Overall this was my experience next time I won't be grabbing the outside seat for the next event.

  • The Nutcracker

    by Gracia on 12/17/24Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center - Ft LauderdaleRating: 5 out of 5

    Everything was amazing, show, parking, etc. The only thing that Ticketmaster can not control is the late arrivals and disruption they cause. Happy Christmas!

  • Nutcracker was great!

    by Al on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 5 out of 5

    My entire family really enjoyed the experience. Very delightful and highly recommend going.

  • Disappointed

    by HG on 12/17/24DECC Symphony Hall - DuluthRating: 2 out of 5

    As much as I appreciate an artistic opportunity to make something your own. I as well as my guests were highly disappointed in the performance. It was chaotic to watch the depot scenes and even difficult at times to follow what was going on. It almost had the feel of a dance recital.

  • Simple a lovely evening

    by vera on 12/17/24Lehman Center for the Performing Arts - BronxRating: 5 out of 5

    My family and I really enjoyed watching the nutcracker. Its was awesome to watch , what a great experience. The performance was very classical and beautiful.

  • The Nutcracker was wonderful!

    by Proud Mimi on 12/16/24The Orpheum Theatre Memphis - MemphisRating: 5 out of 5

    We had great seats. We could see everything on stage. The new story line is so much better. The sets and costumes were top notch. The dancers were superb. Even when there was a prop malfunction, they covered it well and made it work. Definitely a 10 out of 10

  • Amazing!

    by Ron on 12/16/24The Orpheum Theatre Memphis - MemphisRating: 5 out of 5

    The show was absolutely amazing! From beginning to end, it was a spectacle. The performers, the orchestra, the venue, the stage setup, it was all perfect! I would highly recommend you go see it and We plan on going back the next time they're in town! 10/10!

  • Great show!

    by RatKing on 12/15/24California Theatre of the Performing Arts - San BernardinoRating: 5 out of 5

    Beautiful costumes, stellar dancing, fun snowfall! Lovely venue!

  • A Night To Remember

    by Beth on 12/14/24Beau Rivage Theatre - BiloxiRating: 5 out of 5

    I wanted to always see this ballet, I got to see it in another form. It was magical and the talent on the stage was impeccable. A shoutout to the Beau Rivage for having THE comfortable seating and the workers got in the spirit with their holiday hats and things! It was a great night all around!

  • Great show

    by Dave on 12/11/24Chrysler Hall - NorfolkRating: 5 out of 5

    We’ve been to three other ballets and so far this one was the best, the leading couple was the most graceful that I have seen to date! Bravo!! Highly recommend.

  • I am at your performances need to improve

    by Need for improvement on 12/11/24Yucaipa Performing Arts Center Indoor Theatre - YucaipaRating: 3 out of 5

    Disappointing show with long lines for concessions. Only a couple of professionals that pulled the show off, but not enough to make it enjoyable was very disappointed.

  • Not What I Expected.

    by Martial on 12/11/24Beau Rivage Theatre - BiloxiRating: 3 out of 5

    It was a good show. I enjoyed and appreciated the performance. Perhaps I should have researched a little better, but it was locals, kids and adults, and they performed their hearts out. I guess I assumed it would be a polished national troupe. Felt a little misled that's all.

  • Magical night

    by Nene on 12/11/24Beau Rivage Theatre - BiloxiRating: 5 out of 5

    I really enjoyed this performance. The theater was set up so that all the seats were good seats. The performers were excellent! Their skills were amazing. I would definitely attend again.