Now that we’re in full swing holiday mode (see: peppermint mochas and leftover turkey) The Nutcracker is showing its face all over Chicago. Not sure which Nutcracker to check out? Here’s my breakdown of our city’s most promising performances.
Joffrey Ballet: Chicago classic, and one that people travel all over the country for. This will be my second year seeing Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker, and after last year I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go a year without it. My favorite from last year’s performance was the Coffee from Arabia duet (it didn’t hurt that Victoria Jaiani can touch her shin to her forehead. Yikes!). Robert Joffrey’s version of The Nutcracker transformed the traditional European setting into an American one, sprinkled with memories of his own childhood. Last year’s show took me back to my childhood—I’m hoping this year’s does the same. The show runs December 9-27 at Auditorium Theatre.
Ballet Chicago: The Balanchine-based training center and company will perform the renowned choreographer’s rendition of The Nutcracker. The trainees perform alongside guest artists including Ballet Chicago alumni Elly Green (Royal Danish Ballet) and Ted Seymour (Suzanne Farrell Ballet Company). They added additional performances this year, running from December 10-18 at Athenaeum Theatre.
Moscow Ballet: The esteemed Russian ballet company will perform The Great Russian Nutcracker at Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois. Moscow Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker has toured the U.S. for 19 years, and has incorporated young American dancers along the way. The company held auditions in August for the performance, and more than 40 dancers from SPACE (Southport Performing Arts Conservatory) will perform with the company. The performance is one day only December 10 at Rosemont Theatre.
Civic Ballet of Chicago: The Ruth Page Center for the Arts in-residence company will perform Nutcracker Suite this weekend. The show will feature variations from Acts I and II and will also feature Ruth Page’s original choreography of the holiday classic. This weekend only, December 3 and 4 at The Ruth Page Theater.
What’s your favorite Nutcracker performace? Leave it in the comments or tell me on Twitter @natcammarata.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Christmas, Civic Ballet of Chicago, Holidays, Joffrey Ballet, Moscow Ballet, Nutcracker, Ruth Page
Regarding Civic Ballet of Chicago's "Nutcracker:" A reminder that the first full production staging takes place Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at the ECC Arts Center in Elgin. I had the opportunity to catch a dress rehearsal at the Ruth Page Center last Friday and was blown away by the impressive level of technique of not only the awesome guest artists but each member of the 50 person cast who also exuded a warmth guaranteed to win over anyone who sees the production.
Thanks Ann! :) Sounds like a great show.