The old saying “You are what you eat” takes on deeper meaning in “The Nutcracker.” Sure, today’s kids are more likely to nibble gingerbread cookies and candy canes than sugar plums or Spanish chocolate.
But the winter fantasy first staged in 1892 with Peter Tchaikovsky’s score and Marius Petipa’s choreography still thrills the imagination. And the visual smorgasbord within Colorado’s holiday dance offerings should provide enough options to please even the most fickle in the family.
Here is a roundup:
Boulder Ballet and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra infuse their production of “The Nutcracker” with circus arts and a sense of humor. Running today through Sunday at Macky Auditorium. Tickets: $10-$75, 303-449-1343, TicketsWest.com.
Colorado Springs Philharmonic teams with the San Diego Ballet and Peak Ballet Theatre for a “Nutcracker” performance featuring 100 local children. Today through Sunday at Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs. Tickets: $20-$40, 719-520-SHOW, TicketsWest.com.
“The Nutcracker Ballet” by the Academy of Classical Ballet features such sought-after guest artists as Christopher Young, Ixchel Whitcher and Patrick Barnes. Today through Sunday at the D.L. Parsons Theatre, 11801 Community Center Drive, Northglenn. Tickets: $12-$15, 303-234-9352 or academy-of-classical-ballet.com.
Ballet Nouveau Colorado mounts a full-length, traditional take on “The Nutcracker.” Audiences can walk the set and chat with the cast after performances. Legacy Theatre, 2701 W. 136th Ave., Broomfield, hosts this production Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 8, 9 and 11. Tickets: $22-$26, 303-466-5685, 2005Nutcracker.com.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has one of the few seasonal concerts with live, multicultural music. Dec. 3-18 at The Space Theatre. Tickets: $30-$40, 303-893-4100/ 800-641-1222, cleoparkerdance.org.
Littleton’s International Ballet School mounts its annual “Nutcracker” production. It’s by kids, for kids, with dancers as young as 6. Guest artists include Cristian Laverde Koenig, Justin Quandt and Max Levy. Dec. 3-4 at Teikyo Loretto Heights University Theater. Tickets: $15, 720-283-6323.
The Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre performs “Nutcracker, The Ballet” Dec. 9-11 in the Arts Center Theater, 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo. The production includes community guest appearances and some new costuming. Tickets: $6-$8, 719-295-7222.
Ballet Ariel’s “The Nutcracker” is a contemporary show featuring international folk dancers. Dec. 16-18 at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre, 119 Park Ave. West. Tickets: $7-$14, 303-282-9828.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Winter Season starts with “The Nutcracker” at the Aspen District Theatre. Dec. 16-18. Tickets: $20-$58, 970-925-6098.
Ivan Putrov of the Royal Ballet stars in the Zamuel Ballet School’s “The Nutcracker.” Dec. 10-11 at Mitchell High School Theatre, 1205 Potter Drive, Colorado Springs. Tickets: $15, 719-570-1441.
David Taylor Dance Theatre’s acclaimed version of “The Nutcracker” showcases new company members Jacqui Guimond, Lesley Henry, Roy Gan Wei Meng and Asante I, along with seasoned company members James Wallace, Kristen Glazier and Tracy Milakovic. The show includes edgy graphics, plus new lighting and scenery. Dec. 17-22 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. Tickets: $20-$32, 303-987-7845, lakewood.org
Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com.
