“The Nutcracker” with a review by Ellie Wise

[rating=4]Since premiering in 1987, Joffrey Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has become America’s favorite Nutcracker, touring coast to coast more than any other. This beloved holiday masterpiece for the whole family features the entire ballet company, plus local children’s choruses, young dancers and the Chicago Philharmonic performing Tchaikovsky’s famous score live. It’s the magical tale of young Clara, whose Christmas gift of a nutcracker comes to life and brings her to a fantastic winter wonderland. With larger-than-life scenery and entertaining storytelling, Joffrey’s performance is an evening of pure enchantment and a glorious holiday tradition.

Here is the review written by Ellie Wise, my “great niece”, who is a dancer, a 12 year old dancer.

The Joffrey Ballet’s performance of the Nutcracker was a magical. It was my second time seeing this performance, third time of the Nutcracker, itself. Now that I am 12, and en pointe, I had much more appreciation for the show. My sister, who is 8 years old, saw it for the first time and thought it was a just beautiful. She especially thought the children were amazing because they were so cheerful and brought the holiday spirit to the audience.

This production of The Nutcracker, took you to a winter wonderland with Clara and the Nutcracker. The Snow Queen was so graceful and light on her feet that it looked like she was floating through the snow.
The second act brought ballet to all different levels when Clara and Dr. Drosselmeyer arrived in the Kingdom of Sweets. You saw all the different styles of ballet performed by the amazing Joffrey dancers. The Arabian dancers literally looked like snakes slithering across the stage. The colorful costumes worn by the rest of the kingdom dancers made the story come alive, along with the gorgeous scenery.

As all good things come to an end so did Clara’s amazing dream.

Performances take place at The Auditorium Theatre located at Roosevelt University on Congress parkway between Michigan Avenue and Wabash Avenue.

Price: $32-$134

Tickets range from $32 and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets- www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-982-2787 or through the Joffrey at 312-386-8905 or www.joffrey.org

to see what others are saying, visit

www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-up and click at The Nutcracker