How to See The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a ballet composed by Russian great Pyotr Tchaikovsky that is traditionally produced around Christmas. This ballet explores the imagination of a small child who is presented with 3 wooden dolls. You can see The Nutcracker in a variety of venues, allowing you to examine this classic story from a variety of angles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Watch The Nutcracker Live

1. Research the story of this hallowed ballet before you see your first performance (see Resources below). Most theatergoers focus solely on the dancing and lose the plot in the mix. You can fully appreciate the beauty of Tchaikovsky's work, as well as a production company's interpretation with a little research.
2. Contact local theaters to determine their seasonal schedule including performances of The Nutcracker. Most city theaters and playhouses put on a version of The Nutcracker as a traditional offering between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
3. Support college and university theater programs by attending their productions of The Nutcracker. These versions of The Nutcracker will be energetic due to a young cast eager to prove themselves to a captive audience. You can contact a university theater box office at the beginning of the fall semester to learn about their performance dates for this show.
4. Plan a trip to major U.S. cities to see The Nutcracker performed at its highest level. Notable performances of this classic play take place each December in Chicago's Opera Theater and New York's State Theater.
5. Observe performance dates for international touring groups for The Nutcracker that travel throughout the United States (see Resources below). Groups like the Moscow Ballet have toured American cities in the past to show theater fans an authentic performance of The Nutcracker. A good way to land tickets for these events is to listen to your public radio station during the holiday season.
6. Save on ticket prices for performances of The Nutcracker using group rates and student discounts. Groups over 10 generally get a small discount on each ticket with advance notice. Students who are enrolled full time at a local university often get deep discounts in an effort to educate new generations on this play.
7. Request information on theater tours and access to the touring company before you make a ticket purchase. Many theaters work with touring groups to provide inside access to ticket holders who pay an additional fee including a meet-and-greet with performers in The Nutcracker.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye out for non-traditional performances of The Nutcracker in your community. The story of The Nutcracker has been adapted for television, radio and movies using various musical styles. One of the most notable examples of unconventional Nutcracker performances is the jazz-inspired The Jazzcracker performed in Alberta, Canada.

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