Which Nutcracker in Westchester Suits You Best?
A cold breeze blowing over fallen leaves ushers in the start of the holiday season in Westchester. Many holiday events and markets are already in full swing, but no holiday event brings in the Christmas cheer in quite the same way as the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, set to the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
There are a variety of Nutcracker productions throughout Westchester, but it can be difficult for a person to know which one is best suited for them. This list of Nutcracker performances is your guide to finding the perfect Nutcracker for your holiday season.
If you’re looking to bring the kids…
Those looking for a family-friendly performance of The Nutcracker may be interested in an Elmsford performance by No Limits Performing Arts Studio on December 9, which offers The Nutcracker abbreviated specifically for younger audiences to enjoy. Dance for Joy presents Nutcracker for Kids! at the Yorktown Stage, a one-hour narrated and condensed version of the full story on December 16 and 17. On December 27, families at the New Rochelle Public Library will view a production of The Nutcracker as told through narration and dance, and then learn sections of the dancers with the performers.
If you’re looking for The Nutcracker with a twist…
There are a variety of different takes on the holiday classic that give it a fresh new spin. On December 3, Caramoor presents Musiquita Nutcracker Tap Dance Special, a tap dance take on the classic ballet adapted by Blanca Cecilia González and Jesse Elder. The Emelin Theatre welcomes guests to enjoy a special adaption of The Nutcracker on December 26-29. Nutcracker Dream is a 90-minute adaption performed by professional dancers of Ballet des Amériques and choreographed by its founding director, Carole Alexis.
If you’re looking for the classic production…
Ajkun Ballet Theatre presents a traditional adaption of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Chiara Ajkun, performed at Whitney Theater on December 1 and 2. Meanwhile, The Capitol Theatre welcomes Central Park Dance for a classic performance of The Nutcracker on December 10. This will be the 8th annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Ossining-based Westchester Ballet Company will take things right outside the County at the Lehman Center in the Bronx for its third annual performance of The Nutcracker on December 16 and December 17.
If you’re looking for a historic venue…
Tarrytown Music Hall presents a showing of The Nutcracker with New York Theatre Ballet on December 10, suitable for all ages. This venue is the oldest theater in Westchester County, with its first event being an opera performed in December 1885, and it is still used for productions. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater will present The Nutcracker, Short and Sweet on December 10. This performance will be an hour long and suitable for audiences of all ages. This venue has been open since June 1930, and is designated as a Westchester County Landmark.
The wide variety of performances and adaptations of The Nutcracker around Westchester allows something for everyone this holiday season. Each unique performance brings something to the table for everyone – from the littlest audience members who may be experiencing their very first show, to older guests who are seeking a new spin on an old classic.
