It’s a cracking good show!
Brooklynites who want to catch beloved holiday classic “The Nutcracker” have plenty of options right here in the borough. Seven spots in Kings County will feature local takes on the sugarplum fairies, mice soldiers, and big-jawed dolls of Tchaikovsky’s ballet.
Bawdy ballet
A Bushwick burlesque company will present “Nutcracker Rouge,” a provocative take on the classic ballet that features trapeze artists, close-up magic, and opera singers. The show runs through through January, so you have plenty of time to catch it!
Nutcracker Rouge” at Theatre XIV [383 Troutman St. between Irving and Wyckoff avenues in Bushwick, www.companyxiv.com, (866) 811–4111]. Running through Jan. 26 at various times. $50–$195.
Party people
More than 70 kids from across the borough will join professional members of the Moscow Ballet during two performances of “The Great Russian Nutcracker” at Kings Theatre. The youngsters, who have all received at least one year of training at ballet schools in Kings County, will take on the roles of party guests, mice, snowflakes, and other minor figures, dancing alongside Russian ballet heavyweights at the elaborate touring show.
At Kings Theatre [1027 Flatbush Ave between Tilden Road and Duryea Place in Flatbush, (718) 282–804, www.kingstheatre.com]. Dec. 7 at 2 pm and 7 pm. $30–$60.
Local Nuts!
The next weekend, you can return to the Kings Theatre for “The Brooklyn Nutcracker,” a “radically inclusive” version of the holiday classic from the Brooklyn Ballet. You can expect angels floating across subway platforms, hip-hop dancers, and Middle Eastern belly dancers performing against a backdrop of iconic Kings County landmarks.
At Kings Theatre [see above]. Dec. 14 at 2 pm and 7 pm. $30–$115.
Magically hip
For a truly fresh reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s score, visit the Kings Theatre one more time for “The Hip Hop Nutcracker,” narrated by Kurtis Blow. This version of the 128-year-old ballet swaps out ballerinas for break–dancers, and switches an orchestra for a DJ and a single violinist.
At the Kings Theatre [see above]. Dec. 15 at 2 pm and 6:30 pm. $30–$80.
In the action!
You can literally join the party at a radically reimagined version of “The Nutcracker,” at East Midwood Jewish Center. The immersive production from Alden Moves Dance Theatre breaks down the fourth wall, allowing audience members to participate in key moments and interact with the cast, which includes both kids and professional dancers.
At East Midwood Jewish Center [1625 Ocean Ave. between avenues K and L in Midwood, (347) 365–6713, www.aldenmovesbk.com/nutcracker]. Dec. 15 at noon and 5 pm, $30.
Suite sounds
For just a taste of the iconic ballet, head to the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert, which will feature a performance of the ballet’s “Nutcracker Suite.” Brooklyn’s own orchestra will play both the original Tchaikovsky version and Duke Ellington’s jazzy interpretation.
At the Brooklyn Museum [200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue, Prospect Heights, (718) 638–5000, www.brooklynsymphonyorchestra.org] Dec. 15 at 2 pm. $20.
Short and suite
Kids can enjoy a shortened version of the Nutcracker designed for short attention spans, when youngsters from the Cobble Hill Ballet perform “Excerpts from The Nutcracker.” The performance will feature the most iconic scenes from the holiday classic, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Waltz of Flowers, and Russian Dolls — all condensed into a kid-friendly one hour run time.
At the Kimble Theater [1 University Plaza at Flatbush Avenue, Downtown, (718) 488–1624, www.kimbletheater.org]. Dec. 15 at noon, 3 pm, and 5 pm. $23.
