Holiday Fav "The Nutcracker" Coming to the Classic Center

By Bobby Tyler

The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center will present the State Ballet Theatre of Russia in “The Nutcracker” Dec. 21-22 at the Classic Center Theatre. The holiday favorite will run for three performances, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” performance is presented through a collaboration between the UGA Performing Arts Center and the Classic Center.

After the success of his ballet “The Sleeping Beauty,” Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was commissioned by the director of Russia’s Imperial Theatre to compose the score for “The Nutcracker,” using a libretto adapted from E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The ballet received its premiere at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg on Dec. 18, 1892. 

The score, which includes “Waltz of the Flowers,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” is considered one of Tchaikovsky’s most melodic. “The Nutcracker” has now become one of the most widely performed ballets throughout the world.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is based in the city of Ufa, hometown of legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. With a company of 60 dancers, the State Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” features elaborate sets and costumes, along with the same authentic Russian choreography that is performed by Moscow’s famed Bolshoi Ballet.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, online here or by calling 706-542-4400. Tickets can also be purchased at the Classic Center box office, online here, or by calling 706-357-4444.

The Classic Center Theatre is located on Thomas Street in downtown Athens.