North Shore Nutcracker

North Shore Nutcracker: A Holiday Favorite, Straight Up or On Ice

I love the big, red nutcracker that sits on my parents’ mantle as part of their traditional holiday decorations. He’s both formal and friendly; half soldier, half doll.

“According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength, and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.” (magicofnutrcrackers.com)

The ballet “The Nutcracker” has been a holiday favorite since I can remember. It is over 100 years old, and was first performed in 1892 in St. Petersburg Russia to less-than-glowing reviews by critics and audiences alike. Actually, it was a flop.

In 1954, renowned choreographer, George Balanchine, breathed new life into the ballet, creating a version that shaped all future productions, and made The Nutcracker the beloved classic that we know today.

Whether it’s become a family tradition, or it’s the first time your child is old enough to appreciate the ballet, take the opportunity to enjoy a production of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Choose from a traditional version or a modernized production. Your little Dorothy Hamill or Wayne Gretzy may especially enjoy The Nutcracker on Ice!

The Nutcracker
December 11, 7:30pm
December 12-13 and 19-29, 2pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln, Winnetka
847.446.0537
Cost: $18, $15 for Children under 12 and Seniors

The Ballet Entre Nous' version of "The Nutcracker" differs from the traditional in that it takes place in the 1930s in rural America, with classical ballet interspersed with American dance forms. The production also includes sign language in the choreography featuring guest artists Jessica Kreyer and Pavel Gurevich from Boston Ballet, as well as local professional dancers.

The Nutcracker
December 12 and 13, 3pm
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
847.673.6300
Cost: $35; Sugar Plum Party $10 per person

The Civic Ballet of Chicago performs The Nutcracker. For an additional fee families can enjoy holiday treats, meet and take photos with Santa and costumed characters from "The Nutcracker" during the Sugar Plum Parties immediately following each performance.

Nutcracker on Ice
December 11, 7:30pm
December 12, 2:30 and 7:30pm
December 13, 2:30pm
Robert Crown Center, 1701 Main St., Evanston
847.448.8258
Cost: General admission $8.50, Reserved $9.50

In the 35th annual performance, this holiday classic is performed by Robert Crown Center ice skating school students and competitive figure skaters.

Family Nutcracker -- Duke It Out: Ellington vs. Tchaikovsky
December 12, 10am
Music Institute of Chicago, Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston
847.905.1500 x10
Cost: None

This Nutcracker “SWEET” features Dance Chicago and guest soloists from the Moscow Ballet in a side-by-side comparison of the classical and jazz versions of the holiday favorite.

Laura Folkl