GOING NUTS
There are plenty of opportunities to catch Fritz, Clara,
the Sugar Plum Fairy and mice aplenty this month.
cc For many, it just isn’t Christmastime without taking in a
performance of The Nutcracker ballet, the classic tale of a young
girl who receives a special gift from her uncle at her family’s
annual holiday party. While the story is essentially timeless,
each live production is different. Here are six presented in
Northeast Florida this month.
12/7 & 12/8: Community Nutcracker
More than 200 ballerinas dance and leap their way across the
stage in this 27th annual production of the Community
Nutcracker. Each performance funds local charities. Public
performances: December 7, 8 PM; December 8 at 1 PM and 7:30
PM. Florida Theatre, $30-$53.
12/14 - 12/16: The Florida Ballet
More than 100 dancers from the The Florida Ballet present
their annual presentation in four performances: December 14
at 7:30 PM; December 15 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM; and December 16
at 2 PM. UNF Lazzara Theater, $23-$48.
12/14 - 12/16: First Coast Nutcracker
The Jacksonville Symphony’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s
Nutcracker ballet has been performed in Jacksonville for more
than 40 years. This production is the only one in the city backed
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by a full symphony orchestra. Four performances: December 14
at 8 PM; December 15 at 2 PM and 8 PM; December 16 at 2 PM.
Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, $21-$60.
12/16: East Coast Ballet
This version brings together classical music, costumes, and
dramatic choreography presented by East Coast Ballet’s profes-
sional company along with 50 adults and children from the
local community. 4 PM. Wilson Center, FSCJ South Campus.
Tickets start at $20.
12/22: Moscow Ballet
With world class Russian performers and musicians, hand-
painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens and jubilant Nesting Dolls,
this production is presented twice: at 3 PM and again at 7 PM.
Florida Theatre. Tickets start at $32.
12/22 & 23: St. Augustine Ballet
The St. Augustine Ballet’s performance includes 85 dancers
dressed as mischievous mice, dancing dolls, sparkling
snowflakes and more, along with custom-designed scenery
and costumes. 1:30 PM and 7 PM. Lewis Auditorium, Flagler
College, $25-$35. u — BY ANDREA DAVIS