“The Nutcracker” is a perennial holiday favorite as generation after generation falls in love with the story of little Clara who is whisked away to the enchanted fairytale Land of Sweets on Christmas Eve for a night of adventures. The ballet debuted in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892 with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score — the tinkling “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the lush “Waltz of the Flowers,” the lively “Trepak” Russian dance, and of course, the stately March.
Over the years, different adapters have put their own spin on the story, adapted from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, as well as the music. The six versions in this column even feature unique names.
Here, chronologically, are a half-dozen variations on the “Nutcracker” theme to explore around Central Florida in the lead-up to Christmas.
‘A Christmas Nutcracker Tale’
Who’s performing: Central Florida Ballet
What makes it unique: The production features an array of pyrotechnics and aerial stunt work that has won it accolades from CNN, USA Today and locally, WKMG-Channel 6. Central Florida Ballet’s take on the tale also is known for bringing in guest artists. This year, Boston Ballet principal dancers Lia Cirio and Lasha Khozashvili will portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, respectfully. Former CFB student Ellexis Hatch, who trained at The Juilliard School in New York, will return to dance in the production, as well.
Where: Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 21, 2 and 6 p.m. Nov. 22
Cost: From $53.40
Info: drphillipscenter.org
Lia Cirio will portray the Sugarplum Fairy and Lasha Khozashvili performs as the Cavalier in Central Florida Ballet’s “A Christmas Nutcracker Tale.” (Courtesy Michael and Ivette Colon via Central Florida Ballet)
‘Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker’
Who’s performing: Orlando Community Arts
What makes it unique: This version of the story, featuring more than 100 dancers and actors, celebrates diverse cultures and their holiday celebrations around the world. Explore festivities in African American, Asian, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, Haitian and other Caribbean cultures. Special musical guests include violinist Jaquay Pearce and the Mime boyZ.
Where: Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 22
Cost: From $48.78
Info: drphillipscenter.org
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” puts a multicultural spin on the traditional holiday ballet. (Courtesy Orlando Community Arts)
‘Cascanueces’
Who’s performing: Flamenco del Sol
What makes it unique: It’s “The Nutcracker” with a Spanish twist. The art of flamenco dancing brings fans and castanets among the sugar plums and candy canes. The story is transported to Spain, where Clarita visits iconic sights of that country, which gave us flamenco.
Where: Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 4 p.m. Nov. 30
Cost: $53.10
Info: drphillipscenter.org
Flamenco del Sol will present “Cascanueces,” a Spanish cultural take on “The Nutcracker,” at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Flamenco del Sol)
‘The Nutcracker’
Who’s performing: Orlando Ballet
What makes it unique: Artistic director Jorden Morris’s re-imagined production, the most traditional of these options, debuted in 2023 with eye-popping new sets and choreography. During the run, there are two family-friendly performances that allow relaxed coming and going during the show along with preshow activities such as arts and crafts, story time, face painting and a dance class. Those special performances are at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20.
Where: Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando
When: Various days and times, Dec. 5-24
Cost: $39 and up
Info: drphillipscenter.org
Here’s a look at the original 2016 cast of “The Nuthouse” from ME Dance. (Courtesy ME Dance)
‘The Nuthouse’
Who’s performing: ME Dance
What makes it unique: Marshall Ellis devised this darker, comedic and definitely offbeat take on “The Nutcracker” back in 2016. It’s back this year due to popular demand, the company says, just in time to create a twisted Christmas. The production, which features professional and pre-professional dancers, is described in its publicity as “wildly funny,” “slightly unhinged” and bringing “the perfect amount of chaos to a holiday classic.”
Where: ME Theatre, 1300 La Quinta Drive in Orlando
When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-6
Cost: $25
Info: marshallellisdanceschool.com/events
Xtreme Dance Studio has long been supporting children affected by cancer with its “Nutty Nutcracker,” now in its 18th year. Pictured here, in 2011, are dancers performing a number from “The Nutty Nutcracker” as part of a Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk in Altamonte Springs. (Tom Benitez/Orlando Sentinel)
‘The Nutty Nutcracker’
Who’s performing: Xtreme Dance Company
What makes it unique: This student production is notable because it features children raising money for children, specifically children stricken with cancer. Xtreme Dance Studio has raised more than $160,000 for Base Camp, a local organization helping families battling cancer. Proceeds from this lighthearted, high-energy show — now in its 18th year — will go to Base Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation,
Where: Ritz Theater, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Noon Dec. 13
Cost: $15-$50
Info: ritztheatersanford.showare.com
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