Written by Katie Bulloff
Where can you take your family to see the Nutcracker on stage in the Indy area? We can tell you about all of the best performances right here in Indy.
Sugar plum fairies, Russian dancers, and lavish costumes; these are a few of my favorite things about watching the Nutcracker each year. No matter whether it is your first time viewing the Nutcracker or an annual family tradition, there is always something new to watch in this beloved holiday classic. Indianapolis is blessed to have many versions of the Nutcracker, including some that are targeted towards different ages and attention spans!
November Shows
Glendale Branch- The Indianapolis Public Library
Geared towards children ages 5-12 and their adults, the Butler Ballet Nutcracker Workshop for kids is an interactive program that invites children to learn the story of the Nutcracker, learn a short dance, and create works of art. This event is on Friday, November 18th at 4pm.
Central Library- The Indianapolis Public Library
The Indianapolis School of Ballet presents “Nutcracker Sweets-A Free Community Preview” at the Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium Sunday, Nov 20th at 3pm. Ideal for families and children of all ages, children are invited to wear comfortable clothes or tutus and join a mini-ballet lesson after the performance. This Act II “suite” preview is perfect for younger children or those who get a little wiggly during long shows.
Barnes and Noble Carmel
The Central Indiana Dance Ensemble Presents the Nutcracker at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Carmel on Sunday, November 27th at 1pm. This mini performance of the Nutcracker will be followed by a photograph session with the dancers, so your little ones can get up close to the costumes.
Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre
The Moscow Ballet’s production of the Great Russian Nutcracker is on Sunday, November 27th at 3pm. This traditional production combines over 40 professional dancers with local student dancers for a breathtaking show filled with costumes, gorgeous scenery, and Russian folklore. Tickets are $30.50 and up per person.
December Shows
Butler University Ballet at Clowes Hall
Presented by the Butler Ballet, with music by the Butler Ballet Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, this is the only full staged production of the Nutcracker in Indianapolis. Shows run from December 1st-December 4th, with a 2pm show on December 3rd and a 12:00pm matinee on December 4th. Older children and teens may enjoy attending the evening shows, offered each night. Tickets for children under 18, students, and seniors 62+ begin at $20 and adult tickets begin at $24.50. This was my favorite performance of the Nutcracker as a child.
Pike Performing Arts Center
The Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker on December 2-4, 2016. A full-length modern rendition of the holiday classic, this show seeks to tell the true meaning of the season through the gift and giving spirit of a homeless man. Tickets are $15 for students/seniors and $25 for adults.
Monon Community Center East
The Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Adaptive Program and Village Dance Studio come together for Nutcracker Short and Suite, an hour long program, geared towards individuals with disabilities to attend. This performance has fewer lights, softer music, and a dance space will be open for those who want to dance along! Scheduled for December 4th at 1pm and 3pm, youth tickets are $5 and adult tickets are $10.
Noblesville Library
In conjunction with the Ballet Theater of Indiana, the Noblesville library also shares the Nutcracker in this special story time designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers. Scheduled for Monday, December 5th from 9:30am-10:00am, this weekday (!!!) activity is perfect for the wiggliest, giggliest of children.
Zionsville Performing Arts Center
Join the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center on December 9th at 7:30pm, December 10th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday December 11th at 2:00pm. In addition to these performances, a Sugar Plum Fairy Dessert Party is held at 12:30pm before each of the matinee performances. For an additional $10 per person, have a treat, make a craft, hear a story, and have your picture taken in Clara’s sleigh. Youth tickets are $18 and adult tickets are $25.
Carmel High School
The Ballet Theater of Carmel at Performer’s Edge brings their rendition of the Nutcracker to Carmel High School Saturday December 10th at 7:30pm and Sunday December 11th at 2:00pm. Youth/student and senior tickets are $18 and adult tickets are $24 dollars. Have a large group? Group tickets are available at (317) 573-8085.
Basile Theatre at the Historic Athenaeum
Have dinner at the adjoining Rathskeller restaurant and then join the Ballet Theater of Indiana for their four performances of the Nutcracker from December 16th-18th. Performance times and details coming soon!
Murat Theater at the Old National Centre
Joined by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for the first time, the Indianapolis School of Ballet celebrates their 10th year of performing the Nutcracker. Shows are Friday, December 16th at 7:30pm, Saturday, December 17th at 2pm, and Sunday, December 18th at 3:pm. Child and senior tickets range from $15-$75 and adult tickets are priced at $20-$80. This should be a great show for dance and music fans!
Venturing out of Indianapolis during this holiday season? There are many neighboring cities with their own productions this season. View shows in Muncie, Lafayette (performances in January 2017), Evansville, Bloomington (my favorite), Fort Wayne, Merrillville, Elkhart, and South Bend. Going outside of Indiana? There are great options in Chicago (performed by the famous Joffrey Ballet), Cincinnati, Louisville, Columbus, and Dayton.
The post Nutcracker Performances for the Indianapolis Area | 2016 appeared first on Indy with Kids.