First performed in 1892, the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s melodic ballet The Nutcracker has evolved to become an indelible nationwide holiday tradition.
From Ballet San Antonio’s grandly staged performances to youth ballet companies, a folklórico-tinged concert and even a hip-hop version, locals and visitors have plenty of options to see The Nutcracker this holiday season.
Here is a list of performances throughout San Antonio beginning Saturday and running through the end of December.
San Antonio Dance
San Antonio Dance kicks off the season at the Lila Cockrell Theatre with The Nutcracker Ballet this weekend, featuring Melissa Gelfin as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Rafael Quenedit in the role of the dashing Cavalier.
The junior dance company will offer performances at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, with ticket prices ranging from $12 to $47, available through Ticketmaster and the Alamodome box office.
Hip Hop Nutcracker
On Sunday, the Aztec Theatre hosts The Hip Hop Nutcracker, billed as “a remixed & reimagined version of the classic.”
Legendary rapper Kurtis Blow will emcee the show starting at 6:30 p.m., with tickets ranging in price from $64 to $152.
Ballet San Antonio
Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker will fill the mainstage of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts with its magical Land of Snow and Sweets from Dec. 6-15, in collaboration with The Orchestra San Antonio.
Fans of the traditional ballet will appreciate the classic choreography of Haley and Easton Smith, and San Antonio residents might recognize community honorees in the role of Mother Ginger.
Tickets range from $25 to $132, and the Dec. 10 sensory-friendly performance is already sold out.
San Antonio Philharmonic
The San Antonio Philharmonic and San Antonio Youth Ballet led by Danielle Campbell Steans return with their regionally-themed The Nutcracker: A Texas folklórico story on Dec. 6-7 at the Majestic Theatre.
Tickets for Friday and Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. performances run from $25 to $90.
San Antonio Youth Ballet
San Antonio Youth Ballet then brings its The Nutcracker to the Scottish Rite Theater Dec. 20-22, featuring the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Ronnie Sanders. A Sunday matinee follows Friday and Saturday evening performances.
In between its folklórico concert with the San Antonio Philharmonic and its own performances at the Scottish Rite, the ballet school offers its Nutcracker Tea Party, Dec. 15 at The Guenther House. The Victorian charm of the locale offers an ornate backdrop to sweets, dances and photos with Santa.
Tickets for performances range from $10 to $35, and tea party tickets range from $40-$55.
Mid-Texas Symphony
In nearby Seguin, the Mid-Texas Symphony offers its Merry Melodies holiday concert featuring selections from The Nutcracker with Ballet Texas.
The concert takes place Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. in the Jackson Auditorium and will round out the holiday cheer with holiday movie soundtrack selections from such classics as It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas and The Polar Express.
Tickets run from $32 to $57.
Alamo City Arts
Three Alamo city arts organizations combine to produce The Nutcracker Dec. 21–22 at Our Lady of the Lake University, with matinee and evening performances.
Alamo City Arts Association, Alamo City Symphony Viva and Alamo City Dance Company join to create their 32nd annual production of the holiday ballet classic. Tickets range in price from $25 to $45 and donations are accepted.
Majestic Theatre
The Majestic Theatre will play host to the all-caps NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet Dec. 27-28, an elaborate production that boasts an international cast including whimsical puppets and acrobats.
Tickets range from $46 to $185 for the Friday evening performance and three Saturday performances.
