Things To Do In New York: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
It has become a holiday tradition for many to celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, one of the many fun things to do in New York. Get whisked away by Tschaikovsky’s iconic score on a heartwarming adventure through the eyes of the heroine Marie on her journey to a magical land made entirely of candy.
The memorable performance includes an impressive cast of 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 32 stagehands, and two casts of 5o young students from the School of American Ballet; all contributing to an amazing theatrical production of this classic holiday story. The lure of Tschaikovsky’s music, Balanchine’s choreography, Karinska’s creative costumes, and Rouben Ter-Arutunian’s magical sets will undoubtedly put you in the holiday spirit. Let your imagination be enchanted and experience the elaborate stage elements and extraordinary visual effects. A favorite of everyone of all ages, at each performance is the most famous one-ton Christmas tree that grows from a height of 12 feet to 40 feet. And let’s not forget the crystal-shaped snowflakes that flutter throughout some performances and then swept up after each performance for reuse. Your holiday is not complete without seeing this popular ballet that has been performing since 1954. Balanchine’s confection of choreography to unforgettable and classic scores, such as the Dance of the Sugarplum fairy, are absolutely supberb. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime visit or a family tradition, be sure to warm your spirit this season and experience George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®.