In our last post, New York Habitat filled you in about performances of Handel’s Messiah in New York during the 2011 holiday season. This time around, we devote equal space to the other Christmas classic—namely, Tchaikovsky’s eternally popular The Nutcracker, which makes ballet lovers out of kids, their parents, and well, just about everyone at this time every year.
This season, the toy prince and all his pals will be playing to full houses not only at Lincoln Center, in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, but all around town. Following are three of the highest-profile versions:
Marching toy soldiers, a mouse army, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and an on-stage snowstorm—along with Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous music, these are some of the most beloved aspects of The Nutcracker, and there’s arguably no better way to encounter them than in the George Balanchine production at New York City Ballet. A New York holiday tradition since its 1954 debut, this is the classic version against which all others are measured. Performances run November 25 through December 31 at Lincoln Center’s Koch Theater; tickets may already be scarce by the time you’re reading this, and bear in mind that matinee performances are especially popular.
Meanwhile, over in Brooklyn, there’s another Nutcracker drawing a crowd, one that’s also the work of a major Russian-born choreographer. That would be American Ballet Theater’s Nutcracker, choreographed by rising star Alexei Ratmansky and running at the Brooklyn Academy of Music from December 14 through 31. This version debuted to rave reviews in 2010 and is likely to be a hit in 2011, too.
Finally, for a more intimate take on The Nutcracker, “chamber ballet” company New York Theater Ballet presents a compact 1-hour version choreographed by Keith Michael that boasts “new choreography, new costumes, and new scenery with a charming turn of the century Art Nouveau flair.” The streamlined show goes on December 10, 11, 17, and 18 at Florence Gould Hall, FIAF, 55 East 59th Street.
Planning to get your ballet fix in New York City over the holiday season? New York Habitat has fully furnished rental apartments all over town—so finding one that meets your needs shouldn’t be a tough “nut” to crack. Here are just a few samples to help start your search:
– A fully furnished two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment (NY-14947) on Manhattan’s Upper West Side sits less than two blocks from Central Park and only one block from Broadway. Inside you’ll find wood floors, two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and on-site laundry facilities.
– This furnished studio rental apartment (NY-12671) in Fort Greene, Brooklyn is located on the 11th floor of a pre-war, elevator, luxury building a short walk from the Brooklyn Academy of Music and a lively local scene full of interesting shops, bars, and restaurants. Oversized windows with lots of light and stunning views of New York Harbor, Brooklyn and Manhattan only add to the charm.
– This furnished one-bedroom loft apartment (NY-7245) is located in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, on the fourth floor of a five-story walk-up. The apartment has hardwood floors, high ceilings, and a dining room table that seats eight people. Just a few blocks south, Union Square is host to a sprawling farmer’s market four days a week as well as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, so all your grocery shopping needs will be met (and then some).
Was The Nutcracker your first ballet? Or maybe you have memories of taking your own children to see it in New York that you’d like to share? Feel free to leave your comments in the field provided below.
Thank you for highlighting all of the places that I’ll be able to see The Nutcracker this holiday season! It certainly is a staple of NYC especially the New York City Ballet, it will be great to see so many other takes on this Christmas classic!