Whether you’re a ballet buff or bah-humbug about the holidays, there’s no denying that “The Nutcracker” is a time-honored tradition. But with more than a dozen renditions in the city and the suburbs, deciding which one to watch is, well, a tough nut to crack. Here’s a guide to a few of our favorites.
The Joffrey Ballet
Best for: Chi-town classicists.
If you fancy yourself a true Chicagoan, hurry to see the city’s biggest company perform with more than 100 local kids and the Chicago Sinfonietta.
Extra pointe: Marvel at a 15-foot-tall Mother Ginger puppet (with dancers popping out from under her oversized skirt) designed by Kermit Love, the creator of those lovable Sesame Street puppets Big Bird and Snuffleupagus. 7 p.m. Dec. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 26; and 2 p.m. Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 26-27. $20-$100. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. 312-922-2110.
Ballet Chicago
Best for: choreography connoisseurs.
If you want to be dazzled not only by beautiful costumes and majestic sets, but also by spectacular dancing, head to this company’s 10th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker.” The Sugar Plum Fairy and cavalier’s pas de deux is the original version choreographed by George Balanchine, considered the man of 20th Century ballet.
Extra pointe: The first act’s party and battle scenes, which even ballet aficionados admit can be tirelessly long, are abbreviated. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. $12-$25. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. 312-559-1212
Civic Ballet of Chicago
Best for: fascinated foodies.
The preprofessional Civic Ballet of Chicago is the official company of the famed Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance. Though it’s based in the Loop, the company trucks out to the suburbs for performances in Elgin and Skokie.
Extra pointe: After the Dec. 9 performance at Elgin Community College, sit down with the dancers for dinner and photo opportunities. 3 p.m. Dec. 9-10. $16-$20. Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. 847-622-0300. And 8 p.m. Dec. 22-23. $32. Centre East Theater, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. 847-673-6300.
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