We’re nutty for “Nutcracker!”
As Christmas approaches, that old chestnut “The Nutcracker” will play at five different venues all over Brooklyn, in addition to Brooklyn Ballet’s modernized “Brooklyn Nutcracker” at Irondale Center. So you have plenty of chances to catch the dance of the sugar plum fairies, the Nutcracker Prince, and the battle against the Mouse King this holiday season!
Russian to the stage
There is more to ballet than “The Nutcracker!” The Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet in Dumbo will offer “Nutcracker Sweets” this season, featuring Act Two of the classic dance, along with excerpts from “Sleeping Beauty,” also composed by Tchaikovsky; and the best bits from fellow Russian ballets “Le Corsaire” and “Flames of Paris.”
“Nutcracker Sweets” at GK Arts Center [29 Jay St. between Plymouth and John streets in Dumbo, (212) 600–0047, www.gkart
‘Master’ piece
The Master Theater in Brighton Beach, which mostly presents Russian-language shows, will host a performance of “The Nutcracker” from the talented youngsters of the New York Children’s Dance Theater, choreographed by Anna Fateeva-Kazantseva, a graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.
“The Nutcracker” at Master Theater (1029 Brighton Beach Ave. at Brighton 11th Street in Brighton Beach, www.maste
Hip, hop, and jeté
The Kings Theatre will host “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” a modernized take that re-mixes the Tchaikovsky score, moves the action to modern-day New York City, and pits Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince against a mouse street gang. Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow will open the show with a brief set, and then will narrate the first act.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” at Kings Theatre [1027 Flatbush Ave. between Tilden Avenue and Beverly Road in Flatbush]. Dec. 16 at 8 pm. $29–$79.
Short stuff
The kids of the Cobble Hill Ballet troupe will performed a shortened, just-the-good-bits version of “The Nutcracker” for six shows at the Kumble Theater on Dec. 16–17. This family-friendly take on the ballet is a perfect way to introduce kids to the classic.
“Excerpts from the Nutcracker” at Kumble Theater at Long Island University [1 University Plaza at Flatbush Avenue Downtown, (718) 488–1624, www.kumbl
From Russia with love
The State Ballet Theatre of Russia comes to Brooklyn to present an authentic and traditional “Nutcracker,” straight from Tchaikovsky’s home country. The show brings 40 of the finest Russian ballet performers, along with elaborate painted sets to tell the beloved holiday story.
“The Nutcracker” at Kingsborough Community College [2001 Oriental Blvd. between Quentin Street and Decatur Avenue in Manhattan Beach, (718) 368–5596, www.onsta
