by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
With Nutcracker productions cropping up all over during the holiday season, it’s tough to choose which Jacksonville production to go to. The three main Nutcracker productions The Community Nutcracker, the Florida Ballet Nutcracker and the First Coast Nutcracker all have different things to offer.
The Community Nutcracker has been captivating spectators for over a decade. This production is a hometown Jacksonville specialty that will capture your imagination and get you into the holiday mood. This year’s guest dancers come from the Miami City Ballet. The Community Nutcracker gives back to Jacksonville in more ways than one, with a large portion of the proceeds going to benefit Dreams Come True. “Our entire organization is volunteer…everyone who participates comes from one of the many dance studios; there’s about three and a half months of rehearsal,” said Linda George, this year’s general chair. Two children from Dreams Come True are also part of the show. The show is very community oriented, giving back by supporting Dreams Come True and by having a Thursday night community service night in which they give away tickets to places like nursing homes, Ronald McDonald House, Baptist Children’s home, Hope Haven, and Lutheran Children Services, to name a few.
“I think our [Nutcracker] is very child friendly…they invite the kids from the first few rows to come up on stage while they explain the story,” George explained, when asked what sets The Community Nutcracker apart from the others. There will be a performance at the cozy and historic Florida Theatre on December 8th at 8PM, December 9th at 2PM and another performance that evening at 8pm. Call 355-2787
Also at the Florida Theatre, the Florida Ballet will be presenting their version of The Nutcracker, something they’ve been doing every year since 1978. About 70 dancers will be stage in handmade period style ballet costumes. “We have a full company of professional dancers, with eight professional dancers that are part of our company,” said artistic director Laurie Picinich- Byrd. A number of children will also be on the stage. The principle dancers in the production will also travel to other cities during the holidays, on loan to companies who need professional dancers in their production of the Nutcracker. Come enjoy the holiday classic on December 15th and 16th. From glittering snow storms to the gorgeous sugar plum fairy, the magical ballet will keep you entertained. For more information or to buy tickets, call (904) 355-2787.
353-7518
The First Coast Nutcracker with the Jacksonville Symphony will enthrall the whole family, showcasing worldwide renowned principal dancers, our area’s finest young dance corps, and Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies. Their production features a full, live orchestra. Scheduled dates are 8pm on December 8th and December 9th and a matinee performance on December 9th and 10th at 2pm at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts. Call (904) 354-5547 for info.
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