Updated 10/25/2012
Here is my round up of South Sound Nutcracker Performances for 2012. I will have at least one Nutcracker giveaway later in the season, and we may see more performances pop up on daily deal sites. I’ll leave it up to you as to whether you want to wait and take your chances or make plans with your sugar plums now!
Feel free to forward this list to little ballet lovers you know, and do let me know if you hear of a show you missed, or want to weigh in on your fav!
The Big One:
The most recognized area Nutcracker is the production put on by the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. It features gorgeous Maurice Sendak sets, and the dancing of nationally recognized ballerinas. I’m not going to dance around it: This is one spendy show. However, I know many moms who will say it’s worth it. Here’s my sister in law, Cindy, on the subject:
“Even though Pacific Northwest Ballet production is spendy, I think it is worth it. I have seen several lower cost productions in the area over the years. The exta bonuses you get with PNB 1) they have booster seats so you little ones can actually see the stage. They were nice, clean and cozy last time we needed one. 2) They have lovey props in the lobby. Large nutcracker and toy soldier statues and a stage replica. These are great for killing time before the show or great backdrops for your Christmas or Holiday cards. My girls loved dancing on the stage. 3) You can preoreder your cookie treat for intermission. No standing in line. Who wants that with kids. Some ticket packages come with cookies too. 4) The Sendak backdrops will remind you and your kids of their favorite stories and you can recall those fun memories when you read together later. 5) You can’t beat the special effects at PNB. No one has the awe of the growing tree and the lighting and the spectacular costumes. 6) It is more money but way more magic.”
As of this writing, there were some discounted performances available through ticket seller, Goldstar. These aren’t the cheapeset seats, but they’re a very good discount for decent seats. If you decide you’re doing this one, be sure to read the PNB’s very informative guide to attending the Nutcracker with children.
If you’re not sold on PNB, or you just don’t have that much jingle in your wallet, you might consider one of these local Nutcrackers.
South Puget Sound Nutcracker Performances 2011
Auburn/Renton-Evergreen City Ballet Performances in Kirkland December 1st and 2nd. Performances in Auburn December 8th and 9th, and in Renton, December 14th, 15th, and 16th. Adults are 29.00; students are 14.00, with a few dollars in service fees. My friend Christy went to this one last year and raved about it. She thought the sets and performers were very professional, and the ballerinas came out after the show to mingle and pose for pictures. I will have a give away for one of the Auburn performances. Don’t want to take your chances? As of today (10/25), there is a great deal to Evergreen City Ballet on Groupon. We’ve seen this offer twice so far.
Enumclaw–Plauteau Ballet Repretory Theater/The Dance Workshop Presents The Nutcracker December 7th-16th Tickets are 8.00 for seniors. 10.00 for children, and 12.00 for adults Matinee and evening shows
Fife-Ninth Avenue Company of Dance No Nutcracker this year, but there is a Winter Solstice themed show the weekend of the 14th at the junior high school.
Tacoma-Tacoma City Ballet Performances at the Pantages weekends beginning the 8th and running through the 23rd. Tickets start at 19.00. If you haven’t been, the Pantages is beautiful. Leah Taff, of TCB wrote in with this plug last year. “Our Nutcracker is the only one in the area to be performed in a performing arts theater to live orchestral music” SFM Note: As of 10/25, there are still a very limited number of tickets to the Haunted Theater. Find it in my Halloween Events Guide. Don’t wait long on these.
Another Tacoma production performs at Stadium High School. This one is put on by Tacoma Performing Dance Company and the Jo Emery Ballet School under the direction of local dance legend, Jo Emery. LAST YEAR Shows were December 17th and 18th. Tickets were 18.00 and 22.00. The website has not yet been updated with 2012 Nutcracker info. I’ll let you know when it is!
Dance Theater Northwest performs in the Mt Tahoma Auditorium December 8th and 9th Regular tickets 22.00-26.00 Half-off for children under 12 and seniors over 60. 10% military discount also available. I.D. required at the door.
Washington Contemporary Ballet presents the Nutcracker in the auditorium at Mt Tahoma Tickets 15.00-18.00 NOT UPDATED FOR 2012 YET.
Olympia–Ballet Northwest performs at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Shows the 14th-23rd. Ticket prices range depending on seats. * Note that if you buy tickets online, last year the site had tickets for both this company and the Different Studio West Company below. Make sure you’re selecting the one you want, or call.
Bremerton–Peninsula Dance Theater performs The Nutcracker November 30th and December 1st and 2nd at the high school performing arts center. Tickets are 12-18.00, or 25.00 for reserved seating.
If you decide to take in a performance, you should definitely find a book version of the story first. Children will be so much more engaged if they understand what is happening.
If your kiddos are way too wiggly to even consider a ballet outing, but you’d still like that fancy dress-up photo, you might try the Seymour Conservatory which makes for a festive and ornate looking pic. this time of year. Right now, it’s Pumpkins, but I promise it will look like Christmas before you know it!
Know a great show I missed? Think my post wasn’t on pointe? Let me know!
If you’ve just stumbled on this little site, I hope you’ll be back! I write just for South Sound families. While you’re here, why not like SFM on Facebook, or subscribe to my feed or reader, so you don’t miss a think!
What are the seats like at the Pantages? I would love to get close but with a 4 year old I don’t want to buy the “expensive” seats. Is third row too close to enjoy the show?
Carrie,
I’m sorry I’m just now seeing this. I honestly can’t remember what the seats are like, but I bet if you call, they’ll give you an honest answer.
We went to the Enumclaw performance this past weekend in the High School auditorium, and it was charming. We did a Saturday matinee and it was not too crowded, I think it would be great for those with under-5’s (we brought two!) because the attitude is relaxed (lots of other kids) and you are able to get close-up seats to keep their attention focused on stage. It was a sweet introduction for them to the music and story, and attending a live performance. There was even a photo opportunity in the lobby with a giant nutcracker and a ballerina!