The first performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet was held in St. Petersburg on Dec. 18, 1892. The libretto is adapted from E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” written in 1816. The Nutcracker has become a celebrated holiday tradition. Here’s a selection of performances by ten ballet companies.
The Fairfax Ballet and Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax
Tickets range from $34 – $58. One free student ticket with Mason ID
Moscow Ballet in Charlottesville
Sunday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The Paramount Theater, 215 E Main St., Charlottesville
Moscow Ballet’s celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker is stopping in Charlottesville on its 2015 North American tour.
Tickets ranges from $30 – $177.
The Washington Ballet
The Washington Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” set in historic Georgetown with historical figures. Performances run December 3 – 27 at the Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Tickets range from $30 – $120.
Orange School of Performing Arts
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.
State Theatre, 305 S. Main St., Culpeper
$18.50 – $22.50
Richmond Ballet with the Richmond Symphony
Richmond Ballet’s 2015 presentation “will feature never-before-seen production elements” including a magical swan sleigh. The ballet is presenting 13 shows, running December 11 – 23. Performances are at the Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace St., in Richmond. Tickets range from $20 to $125.
Avery Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker Legend”
Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m.
Frederickburg Academy 10800 Academy Dr., Fredericksburg
Avery Ballet’s adaptation of “The Nutcracker”
Moscow Ballet in Fairfax
Wednesday, Dec. 16, and Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m.
George Mason University’s Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax
Tickets range from $28 – $175
The Manassas Ballet Theatre
Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday – Wednesday, Dec. 20, 21, 22, 23 at 3 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas
Tickets range from $35 – $65
Charlottesville Ballet
Saturday, Dec. 19, 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The V. Earl Dickinson Building at Piedmont Virginia Community College, 501 College Dr., Charlottesville
Tickets range from $20 – $75
Fredericksburg Ballet Centre
Saturday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m.
James Monroe High School auditorium, 2300 Washington Ave., Fredericksburg
$16 in advance, $18 at the door $18
Want to take the family to see holiday lights? See our list of Christmas Light Shows 2015
Visit Holidays 2015 — our comprehensive list of events and volunteer opportunities.
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