Winter is coming, and that means it's time to get your tickets for The Nutcracker! But with so many variations of the classical ballet, which one will you choose? Questions to consider: Are you bringing your kids or maybe a group? Are you on a budget? Looking to support your local community or craving a large-scale production? We've created a list of 9 NYC Nutcracker productions to make sure you don't miss out on this wonderful holiday tradition.
November 28-January 3 at the David H. Koch Theater
George Balanchine's choreography shines on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center in New York's most famous production of The Nutcracker. And if you want to see Balanchine's choreography, why not see it performed by the company he co-founded? This year marks the 60th anniversary of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker and it is this production that has been imitated in productions for years all over the country. The historical significance, along with the sheer scale of this production has caused many to flock to it year after year, sparing no expense. There is a one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 40 feet, an 85 pound and nine foot wide Mother Ginger (the costume for which requires handling by three people), a magical on-stage blizzard, and more. Prepare for a spectacle as the design aspects and technical elements are sure to wow you. Ticket prices range from about $70-$150.
December 12-21 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
American Ballet Theatre's Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker will grace the stage at BAM for the last time, ending a five-year tradition. Gillian Murphy led the December 23, 2010 production and will do so again this final year for the opening night as Clara alongside James Whiteside. The production features the spectacular and inventive sets and costumes designed by Tony Award-winner Richard Hudson (The Lion King), includes a cast of over 100 people, and is accompanied live by the ABT Orchestra. It's a production full of top notch talent -- but, if you’re hoping to see your favorite ABT dancer such as Misty Copeland or Alexandre Hammoudi, you’ll want to check the performance schedule to find out who is performing on which dates. The BAM Howard Gilman Opera House is located at 30 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. Tickets start at $20 and go up from there depending on your seating selection.
December 19-21 at Florence Gould Hall
Keith Michael’s The Nutcracker will return to Florence Gould Hall at 55 East 59th St for eight performances in only one weekend. Bringing your kids to the ballet? This production might be perfect for those sweet but squirmy children. The ballet is only 60 minutes long with no intermission, and you can choose between a variety of matinee showtimes: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm. There is one early evening performance on Friday night at 6 pm. Tickets are $35 for kids, $40 for adults.
November 30 at the Hammerstein Ballroom
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is a Russian folkloric version with Ded Moroz (Father Christmas), Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden), life-sized matryoshka dolls, and more; new for this year's production is an authentic Russian Christmas puppet play. With intricately designed costumes, many bejeweled with Swarovski crystals, the performers will dazzle you this holiday season with this culturally rich take on The Nutcracker. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more and Girl Scout Troops. To receive these discounts, call 800-320-1733. For VIP and standard tickets, you can find tickets on Ticketmaster.com or through the Moscow Ballet website. Ticket prices vary depending on seating and availability, starting at about $40.
December 7 at the United Palace of Cultural Arts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqay7xL55Vk#t=26
United Palace of Cultural Arts presents The Hip Hop Nutcracker with special guest Kurtis Blow. A show for the whole family, especially for hip hop enthusiasts or those less ballet-inclined, this version is a traditional Nutcracker transplanted to a contemporary urban setting with all-star hip hop dancers as well as spotlight appearances by kids from UPCA's community arts program. The United Palace will host their show at their home at 4140 Broadway at W 175th St, with tickets starting at $10. UPCA is also accepting donations, which will allow members from the community who cannot afford tickets to attend. Give a donation and receive an invitation to the after-party, private dance lessons, and a walk-on role during Act II!
December 11-21 at the Schimmel Center
Join the Gelsey Kirkland Ballet as they return to the Schimmel Center at Pace University for another holiday season of The Nutcracker. Known for bringing classical works to life in powerful dramatic storytelling fashion, artistic directors Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov have produced a successful and popular new production of the ballet. Oh, and fun fact: at age twenty-five, Gelsey Kirkland danced the lead role with Mikhail Baryshnikov in the American Ballet Theatre production of The Nutcracker, which was filmed and broadcasted annually on PBS. Tickets for this event range from $39-$59, and student tickets are available at the box office with a valid student ID.
December 4-7 at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College
Dances Patrelle celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and in December presents the 19th annual production of The Yorkville Nutcracker, choreographed by Artistic Director Francis Patrelle. This year's production at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College will feature special guests from the New York City Ballet, Abi Stafford and Adrian Danchig-Waring. Ticket prices range from $45-$85; student and senior discounts are available.
December 14 at the Master Theater
Artistic Director of the New York Children's Dance Theater and a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, Anna Fateeva-Kazantseva is the choreographer of NYCDT's Nutcracker premiere. This classical ballet is performed by both professional dancers and young students of the art. Two former principal dancers of the American Ballet Theatre, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, will be featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier and will no doubt have a wonderful impact on the young performers and the audience in this magical ballet. Interested in supporting the Nika Ballet Studio and the NYCDT? Visit the Master Theater at 1029 Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn on December 14th at 2 pm. Tickets are only $35-$65 and will go to keeping the Nutcracker tradition alive in young ballet students.
November 13 through January 4 at XIV
Nutcracker Rouge is not your typical rendition. Creator, director, and choreographer Austin McCormick presents new and exciting theatrical productions influenced by the opulence of the Baroque era. Sip on delicious cocktails while your senses are awakened by this critically acclaimed burlesque-like interpretation of The Nutcracker, a sexy, thrilling, and decadent experience. The company's home, XIV, is located at 428 Lafayette St across from the Public Theater. Tickets are $75 or $125, dependent on your seating selection.
