For theater aficionados looking to add an extra touch of magic to their holiday season, The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater is presenting two shows of “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” on Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The timeless classic, celebrated as a favorite holiday show, was composed by Tchaikovsky in 1892 and loosely based on Prussian author E.T.A. Hoffmann’s children’s fairy tale, later adapted by French author Alexander Dumas Père to a lighter, less dark version. It narrates the story of a young girl named Clara, who, on Christmas Eve, is bestowed with a Nutcracker toy. As the story unfurls, the toy undergoes a remarkable transformation, turning into a prince who guides Clara on a journey to a whimsical land drenched in snow and brimming with delectable sweets, while fighting together against the evil Mouse King.
“‘Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’ boasts award-winning principal dancers and a corps de ballet of 40 Vaganova-trained ballerinas and danseurs who make the Holiday tradition for families across America uniquely special,” says the ballet’s website about the production created by Talmi Entertainment. “Averaging 100 performances during November and December, this phenomenon combines the highest caliber ballet with historic international theatrical traditions, 10-foot-tall playful puppets, 9 intricately hand-painted backdrops and hundreds of exquisite costumes.”
“Gather your loved ones for the warm-glow-nostalgia of America’s favorite Christmas celebration,” states the venue’s website. “Be transported by the magic of jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes.”
For more information, visit nutcracker.com.