Featuring Sugar Plum fairies, life-size toys and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable soundtrack, this timeless ballet is a holiday staple for audiences of all ages. It also serves as a cornerstone of the season for dance and theater companies across the Valley. Here’s how to catch a local production of The Nutcracker this year.
Ballet Etudes
December 13-21
Twirl into holiday magic with this Mesa-based ballet company’s 39th annual production of The Nutcracker. Step into Clara’s magical world through mischievous mice, glimmering snowflakes, the magical Land of Sweets and the famed Sugar Plum Fairy. Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main St., Mesa, 480-644-6500, balletetudes.net
Phoenix Ballet
December 12-14
Phoenix Ballet invites you on an enchanting journey through The Nutcracker at its new venue, Arizona Financial Theatre. The production will feature shimmering costumes, sparkling choreography and dancers who bring the tale of Clara’s dream to life. Beloved favorites include the Snow Scene with magical, life-like snowfall and the thrilling Russian Dance. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-379-2800, phoenixballet.org
Convergence Ballet Company & Ballet Theatre of Phoenix
December 12-14
Convergence Ballet and Ballet Theatre of Phoenix bring the magic of the season to life with The Nutcracker at the Herberger Theater Center. This year’s production shines with sparkling choreography, dazzling costumes and the glow of the holidays, where snowflakes twirl, sugary delights spring into action and the Sugar Plum Fairy sparkles across the stage. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, 602-252-8497, herbergertheater.org
Ballet Arizona
December 12-27
Ballet Arizona pirouettes back to Symphony Hall for this year’s performance of The Nutcracker. The magical production, which has sold out for the last three years, will include 15 performances with live music by the Phoenix Symphony, including the Snow Scene sparkling with 100,000 Austrian Swarovski crystals. The VIP Premier Package is $125 per family of four, and includes early entry to the Symphony Hall lobby, a complimentary parking pass, School of Ballet Arizona class voucher, Ballet Arizona tote bag, $20 Ballet Arizona gift card, 15 percent off The Nutcracker boutique in the lobby, pointe shoes signed by one of the dancers and hot chocolate from the on-site café. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix, 602-381-1096, balletaz.org
Arizona Broadway Theatre’s The Nutcracker: A Musical
December 13-23
Arizona Broadway Theatre invites you to its unique version of The Nutcracker, part of the Theatre for Young Audiences. Clara and her brother Fritz are counting down the days until Christmas with wonders, wishes and dreams. But something is wrong in the world of makebelieve. The Christmas star is missing, the prince is trapped inside a nutcracker and mice have taken over the land. Join The Nutcracker: A Musical through a twinkling universe of animated toys, mouse royalty and the magic of imagination, designed for kids ages 5-12 and their families. There will also be a dinner and show experience, which includes soup or salad and an entrée, with upgraded options available. Matinee dining starts at noon and evening dining starts at 5:30 p.m. Guests with performance-only tickets can enjoy a variety of beverages and cocktails from the lobby bar before curtain and during intermission. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, Arizona Broadway Theatre: 602- 664-7777, azbroadway.org
The Arizona Nutcracker
December 20-21
Madison Center For the Arts invites you to join the whimsical journey of Clara and her dazzling Christmas fantasy. For 25 years, The Arizona Nutcracker and Dance Studio 111 have charmed audiences with Tchaikovsky’s renowned score and local dancers ages 3-21. Step into the magic of The Arizona Nutcracker, featuring a winter wonderland and a surprise visit from Santa! Madison Center For the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix, 602- 664-7777, themadison.org
