Updated for 2014
Here is my round up of South Sound Nutcracker Performances for 2013. 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! This is a complete list, whether you’re looking for a fancy, big city production, or a more affordable show.
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!
First, A Few Words on The Big One in Seattle:
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.”
You should also know that this is the last year they’re going to be putting on The Nutcracker at the PNB, so if it’s one of those things you’ve always wanted to do…..this is your year.
If you’re not sold on PNB, or you just don’t have that much jingle in your wallet, there are many fabulous, South Sound performances to choose from.
South Puget Sound Nutcracker Performances 2014
Auburn/Renton-Evergreen City Ballet Performances at Renton Ikea Center the 20th and 21st. Tickets are 15.00-34.00. 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.. Last year, we also saw this one on Groupon. and, YES, I will be hosting a giveaway to this one again this year. Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.
Enumclaw–Plauteau Ballet Repretory Theater/The Dance Workshop Presents The Nutcracker December 12th-21st Tickets are 10.00 for seniors. 12.00 for children, and 14.00 for adults Matinee and evening shows, performances at the high school
Fife Auburn Children’s Dance Theater will present a performance in Fife Tickets can be purchased online here 13.00 in advance or 17.00 at the door. December 19th at 7PM and December 2oth at 2PM and 7″30. The afternoon show on Saturday has an arts and crafts time. Bring cameras for photo ops. with the dancers.
Tacoma-Tacoma City Ballet Performances at the Pantages weekends beginning December 13th and running through the 23rd Tickets are 20.00-69.00. This year’s production is the world premiere of the whole story, “The Nutcracker and the Tale of the Hard Nut.” 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”
Tacoma– Tacoma Performing Dance Company and the Jo Emery Ballet School performs at Stadium High School Saturday, December 21st and Sunday, December 22nd 18.00 children/22.00 adults
Tacoma Dance Theater Northwest performs in the Mt Tahoma Auditorium December 20th and 21st Tickets and 20.00 and 25.00 Call for tickets. There were discounts available last year; I don’t see them this year, but ask when you call.
Tacoma Washington Contemporary Ballet presents the Nutcracker in the auditorium at Mt Tahoma Tickets 15.00-18.00 December 22nd and 23rd I can’t find any current info. on this one. I’ll let you know if I do.
Olympia–Ballet Northwest performs at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Shows the 12th-21st. Ticket prices range depending on seats. Note that the site also has ticket sales for different performances by Studio West (below). Make sure you’re selecting the one you want if you purchase online.
Bremerton–Peninsula Dance Theater performs The Nutcracker December 5th-7th at the high school performing arts center. Tickets are 14.00-27.00. The show on the 7th includes a special Nutcracker tea. 42.00 includes the tea and a show ticket.
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.
Know a great show I missed? Think my post wasn’t on pointe? Let me know! Keep in mind that this list Only includes Nutcracker. There are many other holiday performances, plus tons of other holiday events. You’ll find a complete list in my South Sound holiday events guide.
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!
Photo Credit: gabrielsaldana at Flickr Used Under a Creative Commons License