Just as turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes are sure to bring friends and families together November 29, the popular Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, is set to officially start the Southwest Florida holiday season when Miami City Ballet brings its version to the Hayes Hall stage at Artis—Naples from November 29-December 1.
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 has 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.
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, Miami City Ballet is coming to Hayes Hall at Artis—Naples to perform The Nutcracker for three shows.
- The performances will be held on Saturday, November 30, at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, December 1, at 2 p.m.
- Tickets start at $65.
- For more information, call 239-597-1900 or visit artisnaples.org.
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