The Nutcracker Roadmap
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 2, 2012 7:00PM
The Waltz of the Flowers from The Moscow Ballet's version of "The Nutcracker."
Now that Halloween has passed and it’s officially the month of November, it’s time to start thinking about the Holiday Season. Stores can finally safely air their Christmas commercials and launch those fake Christmas tree displays. It also means that it’s Nutcracker season, and since everybody and their brother has a unique production ranging from traditional to unusual, we've compiled a roadmap of upcoming "Nutcracker" performances to help guide you through the Land of Sweets.
Joffrey Ballet
Dec. 7 - 27, 2012
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway
The legendary Joffrey Ballet has told the classic story of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince every year since 1987, making 2012 the 25th Anniversary celebration of the holiday tradition. As is also tradition, 118 local youngsters join the full Joffrey company on stage for the production. Their run doesn’t begin until December 7, but it runs for almost the whole month, and you can already purchase tickets on their website. Ticket prices range from $31 to $132.
Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec. 2, 2012
Akoo Theatre (formerly the Rosemont Theatre), 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
The Moscow Ballet puts some new touches on the classic for their 20th Anniversary of touring with the “Great Russian Nutcracker.” This year’s version adds new “Dove of Peace” choreography and a Christmas Tree that grows to seven stories tall. The company will also be also picked up a slew of young local dancers to join them for the production back in August. There’s only one chance to see this production though: on Dec. 2 at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, 3 p.m. Tickets are $26 to $86.50.
The House Theater of Chicago
November 21 - December 30, 2012
Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division St.
The House Theatre of Chicago presents a family-friendly Nutcracker play that features “riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song, and spellbinding spectacle.” In their fourth year, they have expanded to include a concurrent production in Miami. Here in Chicago though, you can catch this show at The Chopin Upstairs Theater from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30. Tickets are $25 - $35 ($10 for student and industry rush tickets).
The Athenaeum Theatre
Dec. 15-23, 2012
2936 N. Southport Ave.
The Athenaeum Theatre presents their local production of the ballet along with special Nutcracker Sweets parties before or after the performance where attendees can “experience the magical Land of Sweets first hand.” For more information, check out Ballet Chicago’s website. Tickets begin at $26.
The Ruth Page Civic Ballet
December 1-16, 2012
The Ruth Page Civic Ballet presents The Nutcracker in another local production showing at three different locations in Chicago, Elgin and Grayslake from December 1 to December 16.After select performances, take the kids and have “Tea with Clara” where audience members get to meet the dancers. For more information, including venues and ticket prices, visit Ruth Page’s Website.
“A Canine Version of the Nutcracker”
Nov. 17 - 18, 2012
That’s right, a pug and a Shih Tzu as Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. 25 dogs from PAWsitive Therapy Troupe, along with their handlers, perform choreographed routines to the classic Tchaikovsky score at Herrick Middle School in Downers Grove (4439 Middaugh Rd.). There are group numbers, as well as some solos, complete with costumes. Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 17, and 1 p.m. on Nov. 18. Tickets for Sunday are sold out, but some still remain for the two Saturday shows which will be available for purchase tomorrow only at Happy Dog Barkery (5116 Main St, Downers Grove) from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Nope, you can’t get get these tickets online or by mail, but if you ask us, we’d say an extra trip to the suburbs is worth it for dancing dogs in tutus. Tickets are $5.
Noble Horse Theatre
November 25, 2012 - January 4, 2013 (tentatively)
1410 N. Orleans
If dancing dogs aren’t extraordinary enough for you, head to Noble Horse Theater for their “historic” version of The Nutcracker on horseback. Apparently the original version of the story was performed on horseback--we’re talking 1816, long before Tchaikovsky even wrote his iconic score. Plus you don’t even have to leave the city for this one, the Noble Horse Theater is right in the heart of Old Town. Unfortunately, the theatre is currently undergoing emergency repair renovations, but they’re hoping to open this season on Nov. 25 and the show will run through Jan. 4. Keep an eye on their website and facebook page for updates.