It’s that time of year again and if you’re looking to check out ‘The Nutcracker’ in Philly, we’ve got some great options for all ages.
Philadelphia Ballet
Perhaps the most well-known of ‘The Nutcracker’ performances in the city, the Philadelphia Ballet’s rendition of the classic show, opens Dec. 6 and will run until the end of the month (Dec. 29.)
As a release notes, the Ballet’s production features more than 170 dancers and students, brought together by the talent of the Philadelphia Ballet Orchestra. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score, George Balanchine’s ‘The Nutcracker’ “captures the wonder and enchantment of the season with its exquisite choreography, lavish costumes and enchanting stage designs that transport audiences into a winter wonderland.”
Tickets start at $25 for all performances and just $10 for opening night. There are also a few stand-alone events to check out — such as a “Daddy & Me” night that encourages Black fathers and other fathers of color to bring their families to the show as part of an effort to diversify ballet (Dec. 15, at noon); a Nutcracker Tea event at the Double Tree Hotel that features holiday treats and warm drinks (Dec. 14 and 15, at 2 p.m.); and a Sensory-Friendly Performance (Dec. 26, at noon.) More information can be found online.
240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, philadelphiaballet.org
One-Man Nutcracker
If you’re looking for a unique way to check out ‘The Nutcracker’ in Philly, award-winning actor and writer Chris Davis has the show for you. His one-man Nutcracker is set to open Dec. 10 and run until Dec. 29 at the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake. Davis takes on the role of—well, every character—plus MK Tuomanen is stepping in as director and Campbell Tosney as choreographer.
The show is coming to Philly after a sold-out run in Germany in the 2024 Thespis Festival, and tickets ($15-$35 via Eventbrite) are now on sale. The show description also notes that this performance is suitable for ages 10 and over.
302 S. Hicks St., realchrisdavis.com
The Grand Kyiv Ballet
Founded by Oleksandr Stoianov, The Grand Kyiv Ballet features a company of talented Ukrainian ballet dancers. Throughout the month of December, the troupe will be traveling around the City of Brotherly Love and South Jersey to showcase their rendition of ‘The Nutcracker’, beginning this weekend.
The first performance is set for this Saturday (Dec. 7) at Republic Bank Performing Arts Center in Sewell, New Jersey, and then will move on to the Klein Center in Philadelphia (Dec. 10 and 11), the Annenberg Center (Dec. 13) and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Dec. 16 and 17). Proceeds from this event will be directed toward the renovation efforts of the Main Ballet Academy of Ukraine and repairing the children’s dormitory. Tickets (prices range) are available online.
Chocolate Ballerina Company
The all-Black ‘Nutcracker: Dipped in Chocolate’ from the Chocolate Ballerina Company is in its fourth year, and will play at Drexel University’s Mandell Theatre for one weekend, (Dec. 21-22). Show times are 1:30 and 7 p.m. on both days.
Founded in 2017 by Chanel Holland-Pierre, Chocolate Ballerina Company engages underserved communities through dance, to inspire and instill a sense of hope, discipline, and confidence through training and through professional development. The company offers free dance classes, outreach programs, pop-up performances, masterclasses, and more, both digitally and in-person.
As a release notes, this unique production celebrates diversity in ballet, offering a vibrant and inclusive reinterpretation of the classic ‘The Nutcracker’, infused with Black culture through music, movement, and storytelling. Tickets (various prices) are available online via Eventbrite.
3220 Chestnut St., chocolateballerinacompany.com
