Last year, my 7-year-old learned about famed Russian composer Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky. Last week, she had the opportunity to see one of his most popular compositions come to life at TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall and it's a moment neither of us will ever forget! To see her eyes sparkle in excitement simply moved me.
Nashville's Nutcracker tells the beloved story of Clara and the nutcracker, but with a unique Nashville twist inspired by the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition. In its 10th year of production, there are a few surprises this year, including snow and the Dancing Bear Calvary!
It took six semi tractor trailer trucks full of items to build the elaborate set and it paid off - the production was simply breathtaking and the dancers flawless in their performance.
The "epic" battle in the first act between the nutcracker and the mouse king was cute as could be. One of my favorite parts was the ginormous, cuddly ballerina bear. And all of the sweet, young dancers! This year, the cast includes a youth cast of 296 dancers from the School of Nashville Ballet and the community at large. It's the largest youth cast in the company’s history and we loved seeing their enthusiasm on the stage.
My daughter's favorite part? "The Land of Sweets" of course, where the sugar plum fairy lives! She thought the dances were simply beautiful.
I highly recommend taking your family to see Nashville's Nutcracker. The 2-hour performance is captivating for all ages.
Nashville's Nutcracker performance dates and times:
- Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Friday, December 15, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 1 p.m.
- Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Friday, December 22, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Friday, December 22, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, December 23, 2017 at 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at www.NashvilleBallet.com, at the TPAC Box Office or by calling (615) 782-4040.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
