Ballet Arizona presents critically acclaimed The Nutcracker this December
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Ring in the holiday season with the timeless family tradition of attending a live performance of The Nutcracker, performed by Ballet Arizona and choreographed by Artistic Director Ib Andersen.
From Dec. 8 through 24, The Nutcracker is sure to be a memorable family experience for all. For the second year in a row, Ballet Arizona will be adding an additional performance on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for a total of 16 performances due to audience demand. Shows will take place in the afternoon and evening at Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. in Downtown Phoenix. All performances are accompanied by live music from The Phoenix Symphony.
In 2013, The New York Times’ senior dance critic Alastair Macaulay hailed Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker as “one of the three finest productions” of the nearly 20 versions he attended around the country.
Ballet Arizona created the production in 2006 at a cost of $1.8 million, according to a press release.
In honor of the 19th century tradition, The Nutcracker tells a mystical and enchanting tale of a young girl, Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker on Christmas Eve.
Through the magic of the season, Clara finds herself in a battle between the Nutcracker Prince and a frightful Mouse King. Along with the Nutcracker Prince, Clara embarks on a wondrous journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets to meet the magical Snow Queen and her snowflake dancers. Audiences of every age will immerse themselves in this enchanting landscape with many special effects to bring this one-of-a-kind live experience to life.
“The Nutcracker is one of my personal favorites that we get the honor of presenting each December for the Arizona community,” Mr. Andersen said. “The classic tale of Clara and her Christmas Eve adventure is one that can’t be missed. We invite you and your loved ones to come together this holiday season for an unforgettable experience.”
