Illinois Theaters Performing The Nutcracker Ballet this Christmas

Illinois Theaters Performing The Nutcracker Ballet this Christmas - One of the worst years of my life was when I was nine. My mother had died in August and despite the best efforts of those who loved me, the 1950 Christmas season showed little festive promise but one memory I will always treasure - Daddy and Aunt Tatty took me down to the Chicago Metropolitan Opera House to see a production of The Nutcracker performed by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. The magic of it all nearly blew me away and cheered my life for months to come with memories to treasure.

Every child should see this wonderful ballet which adults also enjoy. Because of the technical skill, exquisite costumes, orchestral accompaniment, and gifted dancers required, a ballet ticket is usually expensive. Sometimes it just doesn't seem like there is enough "live" Nutcracker to go around anyway so it is cheering to note that this Christmas, Sugar Plum Fairies will be landing in swarms. If you live in the Chicago area, it is very likely that The Nutcracker Ballet will be coming soon to a theater near you. Not all of these will be productions by famous companies but if you take a chance, you might be surprised at how inspired these performances are (and in some cases, you'll get to visit historical and beautifully restored old theaters as well).

Here is a partial list of Nutcracker productions in the Chicago area. Space does not allow for details, but many of them are reasonably priced and I have provided phone numbers and websites for further details such as performance dates and pricing.

Aurora, IL - The Salt Creek Ballet will be performing at the Paramount Theatre. (Dates, prices, and tickets are available at TicketMaster.)

Cicero, IL - Ballet Legere will be presenting their 25^th Anniversary Nutcracker with full orchestra and cast of over 130 at the historic Chodl Auditorium, 2423 S. Austin in Cicero, IL on December 12th and 13th. Special discounts are available for seniors and children under 12, with additional backstage tours for $5 on Dec. 12th and 10 a.m. field trip performances for school children Dec. 8th through 11th. (Call 773-237-1874 or e-mail Balletlegere@yahoo.com for tickets.)

Chicago, IL - What many people consider to be the gold standard is the famed Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker production which will be featured at the Auditorium Theatre at 50 E. Congress Parkway on December 11th and 12th. You and your child will never forget this experience. (Call TicketMaster at 312-902-1500 for details.)

Crystal Lake, IL - The Raue Center for the Arts will present a Nutcracker production of inspired and enthusiastic local talent highlighted by guest artists from around the country. (Please call 815-356-9212 or order online at www.raucenter.org.)

DeKalb, IL - The Beth Fowler Dance Company's 14^th annual Nutcracker Ballet at the Historic Egyptian Theater, 135 N. 2nd Street in DeKalb, IL on December 11th, 12th and 13th. (Please call 815-784-5658 or visit www.bethfowlerschoolofdance.com for more info and to buy tickets.)

Glen Ellyn, IL - Another "gold standard" contender is the Chicago Festival Ballet's Nutcracker choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke with legendary ballerina Maria Tallchief serving as artistic advisor. The remaining performances are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 19th, 20th and 21st) at McAninch Arts Center College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (Call 630-942-4000 or visit www.AtTheMAC.org. for schedule and prices.)

Hinsdale, IL - The Salt Creek Ballet strikes again with another Nutcracker production at the Hinsdale Central Auditorium. (Call 630-769-1199 for dates and prices.)

Lake Zurich, IL - The Illinois Youth Dance Theatre will be there with their Tenth Anniversary Nutcracker production to thrill audiences of all ages at the Lake Zurich Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich, IL on Dec. 19th and 20th. (Call 815-675-9359 for tickets, prices and performance times.)

Peoria, IL - Guess what will be presented by the Peoria Ballet at the Peoria Civic Center Theater on December 12th and 13th. I bet they will be good too. (For details, phone 309-673-3200 or visit www.peoriaballet.com.)

Rockford, IL - The Ballet Metropolitan will present the Nutcracker at Belvidere High School Performing Arts Center. (Phone 815-654-7190 to purchase tickets and for more info.)

Rosemont (Chicago), IL - The world-renowned champs - a/k/a the Moscow Ballet - from the land where it all began will present The Great Russian Nutcracker on Dec. 13th. (For more info, visit www.nutcracker.com.)

University Park, IL - The Salt Creek Ballet will present the Nutcracker at the beautiful 1,171 seat Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Dec. 12. (For more details or to order tickets phone 708-235-2222 (10-4 Mon.-Sat.)　or visit www.centertickets.net.

My Christmas wish is that everyone gets to see a live performance of The Nutcracker at least once in this lifetime. Here is a hint for anyone attending the ballet for the first time - you will really do better to not sit too near the front and if at all possible, shoot for a seat on a level a little higher than the stage. (This is a perfect occasion for "opera glasses" or binoculars.) Wherever you end up, The Nutcracker will steal your heart away.

Source:

Various websites mentioned above.

http://www.nutcrackerballet.net/html/illinois.html