So Many Nutcrackers, So Little Time

One holiday event that is always looked forward to is Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker.  This imaginative tale has delighted millions since its inaugural performance in 1892.  The story of a Christmas toy coming to life, leading an army of Gingerbread Men and Tin Soldiers against the Mouse King; dancing with the Snowflakes in the Pine Forest; and finally landing in the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy is reenacted over and over again during the Christmas season.  The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It was adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.  It premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 18, 1892.  From a historical perspective, the original production was not a huge success, but since the 1960s, it has enjoyed enormous popularity, especially in the U.S., and is now performed by countless ballet companies, primarily during the Christmas season.

For Connecticut residents this coming weekend will provide many opportunities to experience this wonderful ballet.  New York City Ballet’s sensations, Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will leave audiences spellbound at Eastern Connecticut Ballet’s 12th Captivating Season of The Nutcracker!  Share Clara’s adventure and be transported by magical sailing vessel to an enchanted seaport in 1850’s New London.  Along the way, shimmering snowflakes dance for Clara and the sparkling Sugar Plum Fairy eagerly awaits her arrival.  Children of all ages will love the opening party scene filled with laughter and surprises as well as the thrill of battle on the high seas between the brave Nutcracker, Sailors, Pirate Rats and the dreaded Rat King.  Enjoy the legendary music of Tchaikovsky performed live by Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and the energetic dancing of more than 100 professionally-trained Eastern Connecticut Ballet dancers.  Bring family and friends to the Nutcracker of Choice and follow Clara’s journey that takes her around the world in one spectacular night! It all takes place in our own backyard at the historic Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street in New London.  Performances are December 14 at 1:30 pm & 7:00 pm and December 15 at 1:30 pm.  For tickets, call The Garde at (860) 444-7373 or online at gardearts.org.  SPECIAL Military, senior, and group discounts available.

New Haven Ballet performs the holiday classic with a beautiful production that includes all the costumes, scenery, and magic to bring Clara’s dream to life. Performed in the historic Shubert Theater in downtown New Haven, the 2013 production will feature Maria Kowroski, principal dancer with New York City Ballet and Charles Askegard, former principal dancer at New York City Ballet and the New Haven Ballet Orchestra conducted by Richard Gard.  Performances are Friday, December 13 at7pm, Saturday, December 14 at 1 & 5:30pm, and Sunday, December 15 at 1pm.  For tickets click here.

The Nutcracker Spectacular performed by Mystic Ballet follows the enchanting adventures of Clara, through two acts, with a time travel twist.  You will be caught up in the magic, the excitement, the experience of dance, special effects and interactive sets as the artists dive into, leap from and get “crushed” under. Get ready to expect the unexpected.  Performances are at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Saturday, December 14 & 21 at 7pm; and on Sunday, December 15 & 22 at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Connecticut Ballet will bring its outstanding performance to the Palace Theatre in Stamford.  Performances will feature American Ballet dancers Veronika Part and Alexandre Hammoudi in the December 14 and 22 program and Julie Kent and Jared Matthews (also from ABT) on the 15 & 21.  All performances are at 2pm.  For tickets click here.

Enjoy!