The New York City Traveler

The classic…

The New York City Ballet presenting George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker has returned to Lincoln Center for the season and will celebrate its 2,000th performance on December 17th.  The show originally opened in New York in 1954.

This captivating holiday favorite features little Marie, marching toy soldiers, a glowing and growing one-ton Christmas tree, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and a life-sized, princely Nutcracker.

Location:  New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, 20 Lincoln Center (map).  (212) 870-5570

Getting There: "1" train to 66th Street/Lincoln Center

Dates and Time: Multiple daily performances until Dec 30. 

Cost: $20 – $120

And the contemporary…

Nutcracker in the Lower is a more multicultural approach to the classic Nutcracker tale presented by the Urban Ballet Theater.  Nutcracker in the Lower is set in a housing project on the Lower East Side of New York City.  It features Clara, her hard-working mother, and her evil aunt.   

Various non-classical beats are layered over parts of Tchaikovsky’s original score and dance styles are woven through the show, including salsa, flamenco, hip-hop, and African dance.

Nutcracker in the Lower is directed and choreographed by Urban Ballet Theater’s artistic director, Daniel Catanach.  Also lending her choreography is Laurie Ann Gibson, who has previously worked with such heavyweights as P. Diddy and Mary J. Blige. 

Location:   Henry Street Settlement, 466 Grand Street (at Pitt), map,  (212) 352-3101

Getting There:  Subway F, J, M, or Z to Delancey Street/Essex Street.  Or "F" train to East Broadway.

Dates and Times:  Nov 28 thru 30 at 7:30 pm and Dec 1 at 3pm and 7 pm.

Cost:  $15 

Photo credit:  Flickr 

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