Christmas just isn’t the same without the iconic ballet The Nutcracker. Miami City Ballet will be stretching the holiday season just a few more days when it brings its version to the Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall at the Kravis Center on December 27-29.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and choreographed by the legendary George Balanchine, The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular ballet in the United States, performed by countless companies and school recitals throughout the holiday season. For many, it was been their introduction to theater, attending performances by younger siblings in ballet recitals, or attempting to show one’s cultured side on high school dates.
The story, for the very few folks who don’t know the tale, takes place on Christmas Eve. Clara (sometimes referred to as Maria) is given an enchanted nutcracker by her godfather, Drosselmeyer, which her brother Fritz immediately breaks. Heartbroken, Clara places the nutcracker in a small bed. After everyone has gone to sleep, Clara awakens to check on the nutcracker, but stumbles upon a dizzying sight of Drosslemeyer perched atop a large clock, the Christmas tree growing to new heights and an army of mice, led by the Mouse King, battling toy soldiers, who are commanded by the Nutcracker, who is now fully grown. After the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King, with the help of Clara, he becomes a prince, leading Clara to the Waltz of the Snowflakes.
Act II opens with the Prince and Clara traversing the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. In honor of Clara’s bravery, a celebration ensues with sweets from around the globe, culminating with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier performing a pas de deux. Finally, everyone joins in for one final waltz in a blaze of color and dance.
With the holiday season sadly coming to a close, catch Miami City Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker when it comes to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
- The performances will be held on Sunday, December 27 at 7 p.m.; Monday, December 28 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 29 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
- Tickets start at $25.
- For more information, call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org.
Facebook Comments