2 Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker costumes by Arthur Oliver

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”

2019 Holiday Season Features an Abundant Variety of Magical ‘Nutcrackers’

Sometimes you feel like a “Nutcracker” – and now is the time to decide how many and which ones. Since the late 1960s, “The Nutcracker” has been among the American holiday season’s most popular entertainment…

Sometimes you feel like a “Nutcracker” – and now is the time to decide how many and which ones.

Since the late 1960s, “The Nutcracker” has been among the American holiday season’s most popular entertainment offerings. The abundance will be reflected on Montgomery County stages this year, with a variety of full productions – traditional and not, as well as mini versions tailored specifically for tots.

The two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marium Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday, Dec.18, 1892. Its libretto was adapted from the E.T.A. Hoffmann story, “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” via Alexandre Dumas’ adapted story, “The Nutcracker.”

Akhmedova Ballet Academy

Artistic Director & Choreographer: Jacqueline Akhmedova

“Nutcracker Night”
7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
7995 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD

Tickets: $25, $20 senior & student, $15 group of 10-plus (plus service fee)
Tickets: Eventbrite/ABANutcrackerNight2019
Information: www.akhmedovaballet.org, 301-602-8222
“Nutcracker Night” is a “mini Nutcracker,” presenting the most famous dances. The second act is a compilation of classical, contemporary and character dance.

Akhmedova Ballet Academy’s “Nutcracker Night.”
[/media-credit] Akhmedova Ballet Academy’s “Nutcracker Night.”

How many dancers? Level of proficiency? 15 dancers, ages 9 to 19. All are pre-professional students who train for three to five hours every day.

Years presented: 6

What’s new? Each year, we try to add new fresh ideas, choreography, props and costumes. We also bring this “Nutcracker” to many senior facilities as these seniors can often not attend our shows.
This year, we will have a guest artist from Washington Ballet performing the Nutcracker Prince with a senior level student dancing Sugarplum.

Who is it for? It is a great show for all ages, for audiences new to ballet and for educated ballet lovers.


Maryland Youth Ballet

Artistic Director: Olivier Munoz

“The Mini-Nut”
11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8
Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
7995 Georgia Ave.
Silver Spring, MD

Tickets: In advance: $24, $19 children, $21 groups of 12+; At the door $27, $22 children
Tickets & Information: www.marylandyouthballet.org, 301-608-2232
“The Mini-Nut” is an abbreviated version of our classic “The Nutcracker,” designed to introduce children to the magic of this family favorite. It’s only 55 minutes!

How many dancers? 75 student dancers, ranging in age from 10 to 18, from MYB’s full-length “Nutcracker” production.

Years presented: 10th season

Who is it for? Designed for young children (and their parents) who want the magic of “The Nutcracker” in a condensed child-friendly version.

 

Maryland Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] Maryland Youth Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

“The Nutcracker”

Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
Montgomery College
51 Mannakee St.
Rockville, MD

7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20; 1 & 5 p.m., Saturday, Sunday & Monday, Dec. 21, 22 & 23; 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24; 3 & 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26 (post-show Q&A after 1 p.m. Dec. 21 & 22 shows.)
Tickets: In advance: $34, $27 child & senior, $27 groups of 10+; at the door: $38, $32 child & senior
Tickets & Information: www.marylandyouthballet.org, 301-608-2232
After 29 years, Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB), will revamp their production of “The Nutcracker” with all new choreography by new Artistic Director Olivier Munoz.

How many dancers? Level of proficiency? 130 dancers ranging in age from 11 to 76. MYB students are cast in “The Nutcracker” beginning at the Intermediate level. Professional proficiency from the higher levels, and well-trained students from the lower levels.

Years presented: 30th season

What’s new? In addition to all new choreography, this year we will have a larger cast and have added several new roles including Carolers and Angels.

Who is it for? Great for audiences of all ages. The performance is 2 hours long with a 15 minute intermission.


Metropolitan Ballet Theatre (MBT)

Artistic Director: Elizabeth Odell Catlett

Assistant Artistic Director: Katerina Rodggard

“The Nutcracker”
5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 (discounted for working dress rehearsal); 1 & 5 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7 & 14 & Sunday, Dec. 8; 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
Montgomery College
51 Mannakee St.
Rockville, MD

Tickets: In advance: $28, $24 children/students/seniors, $19 groups of 10+; at the door: $31, $27 seniors/students/children
Tickets & Information: www.mbtdance.org, 301-762-1757

How many dancers? Level of proficiency? 124 cast members as young as 7. up through MBT’s pre-professional program. Cast members include adult professional dancers, student dancers at all levels of MBT’s Academy including pre-professional students, as well as adults who enjoy performing and volunteer their time for the iconic Nutcracker party scene that begins the ballet.

Years presented: MBT has been producing a full-length traditional production of “The Nutcracker” since 1989. All 31 seasons have been presented at Montgomery College’s Parilla Performing Arts Center.

What’s new? A portion of the choreography and staging is changed each year to keep the tradition exciting and fresh for audiences. Over the years, the choreography has become more intricate and creative. There are some new set pieces and costumes, handmade by MBT’s team of volunteer costumers.

Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”

This year, MBT is partnering with other local nonprofit organizations in support of our shared community and highlighting those nonprofits through “Day at the Ballet” fundraisers and Mother Ginger guest roles. Partnering organizations include Make-A-Wish Mid Atlantic, The Treatment and Learning Centers, and Upper Montgomery Athletic Club. Guest Mother Gingers include Molette Green (Reporter & Anchor, NBC4 Washington), and Lesli Creedon (President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Mid Atlantic). More information about this program can be found at www.mbtdance.org.

After 1 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4 p.m. Dec. 15 performances, MBT staff and cast engage the audience in “Patch Chats” that are geared to girl scouts and other young students. Participants learn about the history of “The Nutcracker” ballet and composition, meet some of the cast, ask questions and have a short photos/autograph session. MBT designs a new commemorative patch each year for girl scouts and others interested in collecting.

Who is it for? Perfect for a date night, a family outing, a special day out with grandparents, or a girl scout troop or youth group field trip.

“The Nutcracker Suite”
10 a.m. Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 7 & 8 (sensory friendly), 14 & 15
Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
Montgomery College
51 Mannakee St.
Rockville, MD

Tickets: In advance: $23, $19 children/students/seniors, $18 groups of 10+; at the door (if available) $26, $23 children/students/seniors
Tickets & Information: www.mbtdance.org, 301-762-1757

Geared to young audiences, this performance runs less than 45 minutes with no intermission.

How many cast members? Level of proficiency? All 56 cast members are upper level and pre-professional students in MBT’s Academic Ballet Program.

Years Presented: Third year. Previously performed in MBT’s intimate Black Box Theater; the production was moved due to demand for more seating.

Who is it for? The Nutcracker Suite” is directed at slightly younger audiences, enabling little ones to have a great introduction to ballet at the theater.


Rockville Civic Ballet (RCB)

Artistic Director, Lead Choreographer & Principal Dancer: Eleanor R. Simpson

Assistant Director & Creative Associate: Erin Kwong

“The Nutcracker”
2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 & 15
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
603 Edmonston Drive Rockville, MD
Tickets: $17, $13 seniors & children
Tickets & Information: www.rockvillemd.gov/theatre, 240-314-8690

Rockville Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] Rockville Civic Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

The RCB is committed to encouraging diversity in many aspects. One thing that makes “The Nutcracker” so enjoyable to perform is that there are so many stories to tell through Clara’s journey to the Land of the Sweets. From having a richness of diversity in dancer experiences, we find different ways to make “The Nutcracker” novel and true each year.

How many dancers? Level of proficiency? The cast has more than 75 dancers. The RCB is committed to making ballet accessible for anyone with an interest and a willingness to work hard. Onstage you will see dancers from 7 years old to dancers in their 70s. All are skilled, whether near beginners or advanced, and “The Nutcracker” is cast to best show them off.

Years presented: The RCB began performing “The Nutcracker” in 1975.

What’s new? When we began, the set was minimal and the cast was very small, made up mostly of the then-director Claudia Mangan’s family and friends. Since then, the production has only grown in scale and quality. Every year, we reshape the pieces to find what best suits our dancers and what we want to communicate.

Who is it for? Our production is very family-friendly, and we hope people of all ages and backgrounds will love seeing Clara on her magical journey.


Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy

220 Perry Parkway, Suite 8
Gaithersburg, MD

SugarPlum Tea Party
10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21
Meet the SugarPlum Fairy and other characters from “The Nutcracker.” Includes ballet class, craft, snack, sweet treat.
Tickets: $20 per child, free for grownups, grownup must accompany child
Tickets & Information: www.mbtdance.org, 301-762-1757

Who is it for? Ages 3-7

Years presented: MBT has offered Tea Parties for the past 11 years for each major production.


The Puppet Co. Playhouse

“The Nutcracker”

Director/choreographer Christopher Piper; original concept by Allan Stevens

Dates: Nov. 29-Dec. 29

Location: Glen Echo Park
7300 MacArthur Blvd.
Glen Echo, MD

Tickets: $12

Tickets & Information: www.thepuppetco.org, 301-634-5380

The Puppet Co.’s production is 50 minutes long, with a cast of hand puppets, marionettes and larger-than-life costumed characters

The Puppet Co. Playhouse’s “The Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] The Puppet Co. Playhouse’s “The Nutcracker”

Years presented: 31

What’s new? Costumes and sets are embellished upon every year. New cast, with the exception that Piper, who has performed in the show for 30 years, will give up the stage and just direct.

Who is it for? Ages 5 to adult


Olney Ballet Theatre

Mary Day’s ‘The Nutcracker’

Olney Theatre Center

2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road
Olney, MD

Artistic Director Patricia Berrend

Dates: 7:30 p.m. Thursday & Friday, Dec. 13, 19, 20; 1:30 & 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Dec. 14 & 21; 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15; 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 & Tuesday, Dec. 24; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23

Scout Night, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, advance tickets $11.40 online, $12 at door, subject to availability; Senior Night, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 23, $22.35 online for 65+, non-transferrable

Tickets: $27.35 to $42.35, group of 10+ 30% discount, www.olneyballet.org/tickets

Information: info@olneyballettheatre.org, www.olneyballet.org, 240-342-6063

Olney Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] Olney Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”

OBT’s Nutcracker is a classic, professional-level production. In 1961, the Washington School of Ballet premiered founder Mary Day’s “The Nutcracker” with the National Symphony Orchestra at Constitution Hall, starting a long-running tradition. The timeless production was presented by TWB for many years, and OBT is proud to preserve Day’s artistic legacy and introduce her classic vision to a new generation.

How many dancers, ages and what levels of proficiency? About110 student dancers, ages 4 to18, from beginner through pre-professional level. Roughly 10 dancer parents and OBT alums perform as Party Guests. Guest artists include Jessica Tretter (Rochester City Ballet) and Meghan Loman (Carolina Ballet Theatre) as Sugar Plum Fairy, with John Deming and Wyatt Pendleton (both of Rochester City Ballet) and Martin Justo (Carolina Ballet Theatre) as Cavalier.

Years presented: 13th season

What’s new? An increasing number of talented pre-professional dancers in solo roles including Snow Queen, Flower Soloist, the Nutcracker and leads in various divertissement. Pre-professional dancers, ages12 to 18, master technically challenging roles with a professional level of artistry and with no compromise to Day’s original choreography and vision.

Who is it for? General audience of children through adults, wonderful for families.

Special Event:  Candy Cane Cotillion Nutcracker Tea Party, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec.22, The Manor at Silo Falls, 19501 Georgia Ave., Brookeville. Share treats & crafts with Nutcracker dancers; take a picture with the Sugar Plum Fairy and dance with Clara. Tickets: $40 each / $350 for a table of 10 by Dec. 2 and $45 each on or after Dec. 3.


Baltimore Symphony Orchestra & Troupe Vertigo

Cirque Nutcracker
BSO Associate Conductor Nicholas Hersh, Troupe Vertigo

The awe-inspiring talents of Troupe Vertigo come to the concert hall as eight acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, strongmen and high-flying aerialists join the BSO for this spectacular holiday-themed show. Hersh leads the concert and Troupe Vertigo performs acrobatics, juggling and aerial feats while the orchestra plays Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” Performance is about 2 hours.

Date: 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12

The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Troupe Vertigo’s “Cirque Nutcracker.”
[/media-credit] The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Troupe Vertigo’s “Cirque Nutcracker.”

Tickets: $25-$75

Tickets & Information: www.bsomusic.org, 1-877-276-1444

Years Presented: The BSO and Troupe Vertigo performed “Cirque Nutcracker” last year.

Who is it for? Ages 6+


The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Choreographer: Jennifer Weber

8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-19

The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD

Tickets: $33-$68

Tickets & Information: 301-581-5100, www.strathmore.org

HIP HOP NUTCRACKER 2019 TOUR SIZZLE

“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” translates Tchaikovsky’s score into the language of hip-hop dance, with Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince on a magical adventure in modern-day New York City. All-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist and Kurtis Blow, one of hip-hop’s founding fathers who opens the show with a short set. Innovative visual effects transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of modern urban life.

How many dancers? Level of proficiency? 12 Los-Angeles-based professional dancers.

Years presented: This is the tour’s fifth year.

What’s new? Every year, we make updates to our choreography and add new elements. Hip hop is constantly changing and so we change as well.

Who is it for? This is a show for everyone. It is great for families, people who love hip hop, people who love the Tchaikovsky score and anyone looking for a new holiday tradition.


Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Executive Producers Mary and Akiva Talmi

Dates: 2 & 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15; 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16

The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda, MD

Tickets: $29-$175

Tickets & Information: http://www.nutcracker.com/your-city

The original, direct from Russia, has larger-than-life magical props, a 60-foot growing Christmas tree and spectacular Russian-made costumes and sets. While the music remains the same, the act replaces the one where the principals travel to the Land of Sweets. Instead, they travel to the Land of Peace and Harmony for the Dove of Peace Dance. Each dancer wears a 10-foot wing that, when combined in unison, create a dove wing with a 20-foot span. The scene includes 12-foot-tall puppets that represent mythical creatures in different cultures.

Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”
[/media-credit] Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker”

How many dancers? 36professional dancers plus 60 local dance students

Years Presented: 27th year on tour

What’s new? In addition to the Dove of Peace and the Firebird flying puppets created in South Africa, there will be a new Peacock, with a tail opening eight feet across to majestically reveal its vibrant colors.

Who is it for? Adults and children.