It’s holiday time and therefore Nutcracker time, complete with Sugar Plum fairies, sword-fighting rats, dancing dolls, a spine-tingling Tchaikovsky score and much more. It’s a remarkable year for Cincinnati Ballet’s presentation of the seasonal classic for a few reasons. It’s the final year for this particular production, so catch it while you can. (A new version of the show arrives in 2010.)
As a result of a generous anonymous donation, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra will provide the production’s live music this year under the direction of Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone. (Although CSO played regularly for Nutcracker performances from 1974 to 1998, Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra had been providing live music in the years since.)
A substantial recent donation from Louise Nippert benefiting a trio of Cincinnati arts organizations promises not only to help ensure the future of live music for the Ballet but reportedly could spark plans for Music Hall renovations and a resurgence of performances there. But for now, The Nutcracker at the Aronoff Center still delights all ages, with plenty of eye candy rich enough to bring the kids.
$30-$70. Through Dec. 27. Get tickets, showtimes and Aronoff Center details here.
