Holiday Entertainment Guide 2019: ‘The Nutcracker’ dances across area stages

Valeria Chaykina (from left), Cara Marie and Gary Yumi Kanazawa in the Joffrey Ballet’s version of Christopher Wheeldon’s production of “The Nutcracker.” | Cheryl Mann

The music by Tchaikovsky is immediately familiar. The magical story equally enchanting.

It’s what makes “The Nutcracker” one of the most anticipated holiday productions each year. Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet tells the story of a young girl and a wooden Nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve to battle the wicked Mouse King and his minions. The Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince and the ballet unfolds amid a land filled with toy soldiers, Sugar Plum fairies, and other sweet characters.

The Chicago area is filled with productions of this Christmastime favorite — including those without a single ballet step. Here are some highlights to consider:

“The Nutcracker”: The family-friendly, ballet-free version of the holiday classic; directed by Tommy Rapley. Nov. 8-29. The House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, $20-$50; thehousetheatre.com

The 2018 Cast of The House Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

“The Nutcracker”: Christopher Wheeldon’s reimagining of the holiday classic sets the tale on Christmas Eve, 1892, months before the opening of the 1893 World’s Fair. Nov. 30-Dec. 29. The Joffrey Ballet at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., $35-$200; joffrey.org

The Nut Tapper Christmas Show: Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin’s annual staging of the holiday classic recreated with rhythms of tap, Spanish flamenco and Mexican zapateado. Dec. 1. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, $18; oldtownschool.org

“The Nutcracker”: Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s staging of the classic ballet. Dec. 1. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet, $22.50-$38.50; rialtosquare.com

“The Art Deco Nutcracker”: Set in 1920s America, this is a fresh take on the holiday favorite. Dec. 6-8. A&A Ballet at Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan, $30-$50; aacenterfordance.org

“The Art Deco Nutcracker” by A&A Ballet will be presented Dec. 6-8 at the Studebaker Theater.

The Magic of the Nutcracker: Dancenter North’s staging of the holiday classic. Dec. 6. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, $15-$36; geneseetheatre.com. Dec. 14-15 at Libertyville High School, 708 W. Park, Libertyville, $15-$36; dancenter-north.com

“Duke It Out Nutcracker”: The holiday favorite pairs Tchaikovsky’s classical score with the Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn version. Dec. 7. The Music Institute of Chicago and Dance Chicago at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago, Evanston, $10; nicholsconcerthall.org

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet performs “The Nutcracker.”

“The Nutcracker”: Ruth Page Civic Ballet performs Page’s iconic staging of the holiday classic. Dec. 7-8. Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr, $10-$35; ruthpage.org. Dec. 14. James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 W. Washington, Grayslake, $10-$25; jlcenter.clcillinois.edu

“The Nutcracker”: Follow Clara through her magical world via Ballet Legere’s staging of the holiday classic. Dec. 7-8. Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division, River Forest, $24, $29; balletlegere.org

Guest artists Marcus Romeo and Bella Ureta, courtesy of The Cincinnati Ballet, will dance the Grand Pas de Deux in Ballet Legere’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

“Dance-Along Nutcracker”: Dancers of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in this annual performance of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Optional beginner lessons are offered before each performance. Dec. 8. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, Free; chicagoculturalcenter.org

“Great Russian Nutcracker”: Moscow Ballet’s staging of the classic features world-class Russian dancers, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens and Nesting Dolls. Dec. 8. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River, Rosemont, tickets begin at $29; ticketmaster.com

The Hyde Park School of Dance brings together fans of ballet, modern, and hip-hop with its annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” with more than 175 dancers — primarily children ages 7 to 18. Pictured: Valerie Lowder as Clara.

“The Nutcracker”: Presented by Hyde Park School of Dance, more than 175 dancers perform in this version of the classic that features ballet, modern dance and hip-hop. Dec. 13-15 at Mandel Hall, University of Chicago, 1131 E. 57th, $10-$40; hydeparkdance.org

“The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the holiday season with Ballet Chicago’s staging of the holiday classic. Dec. 13-22 at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport, $18-$50; athenaeumtheatre.org

“The Nutcracker,” presented by the Salt Creek Ballet

“The Nutcracker”: Salt Creek Ballet’s full-scale production of the holiday classic. Dec. 14-15 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, $34, $44; atthemac.org. Dec. 21-22 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie, $21.50-$44.50; northshorecenter.org

MORE DANCE

Bangarra Dance Theatre Australia: The Aboriginal and Torrees Strait Islander company’s repertoire draws on stories gathered from respected community elders. Nov. 22-23. Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, $10-$140; harristheaterchicago.org

“Exit Disclaimer — Science & Fiction Ahead”: The Seldoms present a dance theater work that surveys the divisive national argument about climate change. Dec. 12-15. Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted, $35; steppenwolf.org

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater: Performing a program titled “Reaffirmed/Reimagined,” featuring classic revivals, pieces from the company’s repertoire and a preview of a collaboration with gospel artist Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers. Dec. 13-15. Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th, $45; deeplyrooteddancetheater.org

“Tidings of Tap”: Chicago Tap Theatre’s celebration of tap and the holiday season. Dec. 15. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie, Skokie, $25-$41; chicagotaptheatre.com