Three productions of ‘The Nutcracker‘ pirouette onto Greenville stages

“The Nutcracker” has become an American Christmastime tradition, with hundreds of productions of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet offered nationwide during the holiday season.

Greenville residents have at least three “Nutcracker” productions to choose from in the next few weeks.

International Ballet

First to pirouette onto stage will be the International Ballet’s staging of “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 13-15 at the Peace Center.

Now in its 21st year of “Nutcracker” performances, International Ballet is enjoying its best ticket sales ever. The three performances this year are almost sold out, prompting International Ballet to add a fourth performance to its schedule next year.

Guest artists include Victoria Jaiani from the Joffrey Ballet, and Brooklyn Mack, formerly of the Orlando and Washington ballets. In addition, three other guests will join the cast of 92 local pre-professional company dancers and academy students from International Ballet.

Another guest, Ukrainian character dancer Denys Simon, returns to perform dazzling folks dances.

The production features conductor Lee Mills leading the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the Greenville Youth Chorale.

With choreography by Ukrainian-born Vlada Kysselova (artistic director of International Ballet) and Hennadii Bespechnyi, the production traces its roots back to Russian and Ukrainian dance tradition.

The costumes and sets were created at the opera house in Kiev.

Want to go?

What: International Ballet: “The Nutcracker”
When: Dec. 13-15
Where: Peace Center
Tickets: $25-$85
Info: 864-467-3000 or peacecenter.org

Carolina Ballet Theatre

Carolina Ballet Theatre’s “Nutcracker,” Dec. 20-22 at the Peace Center, is subtitled “Once Upon a Time in Greenville” and it takes place in a magical land called, you guessed it, Greenville.

The sets spotlight the Liberty Bridge, Main Street and the Shoeless Joe Jackson statue, among other Greenville sights. Some dancers portray Greenville’s Mice on Main. A new backdrop was recently created to offer a view of the Reedy River.

Guest dancer James Kopecky, former principal dancer with Charlotte Ballet, will perform the cavalier. The production features CBT principal dancers Meghan Loman and Gabrielle Moore. Meanwhile, Martin Justo takes on the role of the Nutcracker. Devdan Ferguson from Charlotte Ballet Academy will perform the Mouse King and the soloist in the Spanish Dance.

Professional ballet dancers from CBT will be performing the main soloist roles, and they’ll be joined by students from several schools.

The choreography is by Hernan Justo, CBT’s artistic director. More than a hundred dancers will participate in the production.

Want to go?

What: Carolina Ballet Theatre: “The Nutcracker: Once Upon a Time in Greenville”
When: Dec. 20-22
Where: Peace Center
Tickets: $35-$65
Info: 864-467-3000 or peacecenter.org

Greenville Ballet

Greenville Ballet offers the longest-established “Nutcracker,” an Upstate tradition for four decades.

Upwards of 90 dancers are expected to be on stage for “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at McAlister Auditorium on the campus of Furman University.

Choreography is by Andrew Kuharsky, director of Greenville Ballet, with additional choreography by Merry Kuharsky, co-director of Greenville Ballet. The staging is inspired by the choreography of George Balanchine for the New York City Ballet.

Want to go?