For many San Diego families, it’s not Christmas season unless there’s a “Nutcracker” on the schedule.
Set to a score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the 1892 Russian ballet is the holiday story of a girl who receives a nutcracker toy from her godfather and then dreams about the toy coming to life and taking her on a series of adventures. “The Nutcracker” is a staple of ballet companies worldwide, though every company puts their own twist on the story and choreography. Here are a baker’s dozen “Nutcracker” productions to choose from this holiday season.
A scene from American Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker,” arriving in Dec. at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. (Rosalie O’Connor)
American Ballet Theatre
The New York City ballet company brings its annual “Nutcracker” tour to Southern California with two weeks of performances in Costa Mesa. Choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, this tour features ABT principal dancers, sets and costumes by Tony-winning designer Richard Hudson, live music by the Pacific Symphony and more than 100 total performers. Opens Dec. 13 and runs through Dec. 22. 7 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Segerstrom Center, 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa. $84 and up. 714-556-2787, scfta.org
BalletCenter Studios
Director Michelle Noblejas-Bartolomei and former principal dancer Trystan Merrick created original choreography for “Clara and the Nutcracker Soldier.” The reimagined version of the classic tells the story of Clara, an orphan who looks for her parents with the help of the Snow Queen. 7 p.m. Nov. 29; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20.. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $30-$60. 619-322-7328, balletcenterstudios.com
City Ballet of San Diego
John Nettles directs the City Ballet orchestra for this production which won the Tommy Award for Best Nutcracker in San Diego. The pre-ballet show features holiday carolers in the lobby. The Victorian-era story is traditional with Clara, her Nutcracker Prince and Tchaikovsky’s famous 1892 ballet score. The choreography was created by Elizabeth Wistrich after Rudolf Nureyev and other masters. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; 2 p.m. Dec. 22; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $39-$119. 800-988-4253, cityballet.org
Encinitas Ballet Academy
This youth company, run by choreographers Sayat and Olga Asatrya, will present this ballet featuring professional dancers and young student dancers performing with 3D animation and multimedia effects. 5 p.m. Dec. 21. The Ritz Theater, 301 Grand Ave., Escondido. $20-$40. Also at 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at San Dieguito High School Performing Arts Center, 800 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas. $40-$60. 760-632-4947. encinitasballet.com
A scene from Golden State Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” playing Dec. 13-22 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. (Sam Zauscher)
Golden State Ballet
The lavish downtown production choreographed by Raul Salamanca includes professional dancers and 90 talented students from the award-winning academy. The Tchaikovsky score is performed by a live orchestra from the San Diego Symphony. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Runs 20 hours, 10 minutes, with intermission. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14; 1 p.m. Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown. $35-$129. goldenstateballet.org
Performing Arts Workshop
This dance company directed by Emily Miller offers training for dancers of all ages and abilities. It will present a Nutcracker starring pre-professional dancers, both youth and adults.. 2 p.m. Dec. 7. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $36, general; $24, children 3-12. 800-988-4253, artcenter.org
A scene from San Diego Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” playing Dec. 21 at the Magnolia Theatre in El Cajon. (Canela Photography)
San Diego Ballet
Artistic director Raul Salamanca choreographed this lavish production of the “Nutcracker” featuring live music by the San Diego Symphony. Sugarplum fairies, leaping cossacks and flurries of snowflakes highlight this production featuring an international cast of more than 100 costumed dancers. 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 21. The Magnolia, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. $46-$153. 619-294-7378, sandiegoballet.org
A scene from San Diego Civic Youth Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” running Dec. 13-22 at the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park. (SDCYB)San Diego Civic Youth Ballet
Danika Pramik-Holdaway directs the annual production featuring students of the Balboa Park-based company. The ballet follows the traditional story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince, the battle of the toy solders and mice and the dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.. 7 pm. Dec. 13; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15; 7 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21;; 2 p.m. Dec. 22. Casa del Prado Theatre, Balboa Park $27. 619-259-0220, sdcyb.org
Southern California Ballet
Southern California Ballet Academy carries on its 35-year tradition with its annual production feature more than 100 students and adult dancers. 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 21; 1 p.m. Dec. 22. Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. $30-$70. southerncaliforniaballet.org
The Ballet Company
East County’s pre-professional classical ballet company will perform its nontraditional holiday ballet, titled “Sgt. Pepper Presents the Nutcracker,” featuring the Lonely Hearts Club Band with dancers performing to music by both the Beatles and Tchaikovsky. 6 p.m. Dec. 21-22. Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. $35-55. 858-531-4632, theballetcompanysd.com
West Coast Ballet & San Elijo Dance and Music Academy
This San Marcos youth ballet company will present its annual Nutcracker production. 2 p.m. Dec. 14-15. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $48-$78.760-410-1999, artcenter.org
West Coast Dance Complex
This Carmel Valley-based dance company will present its annual pre-professional production of the Nutcracker featuring live music by the Winecreek Ensemble orchestra. 6 p.m. Dec. 8. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $48-$84. artcenter.org