“Nutcracker” for Beginners

New York Theatre Ballet’s Production is Short in Length, Long on Dazzle

Far be it from me to knock traditional versions of “The Nutcracker”. But for the littlest audiences, the holiday classic can be a bit too much sugarplum to digest. For the past 26 years, the New York Theatre Ballet has been delighting children with its own take on the tale  – a one-hour confection whipped up for tots (and with tickets between $34 to $39 apiece, the prices are easier to swallow as well).

14 professional dancers and 40 young ballet students gracefully and energetically share the oft-told story of Clara, her prized nutcracker prince, and the adventures that await them in the Land of Sweets. “It’s a story about generosity, and about spirit,” says NYTB executive director Christina Paolucci, a former principal dancer with the company. “Clara and the audience are introduced to a world where everything is sweet and sparkly.”

That “sweet and sparkly” combination seems to be catnip for young audiences. I took my daughter when she was two, and sat amazed as she – and countless other tykes – sat in rapt wonder for the entire show.

Keith Michael’s expressive choreography is paired with festive, candy-colored costumes, and the pacing, though brisk, never feels rushed. All of the ‘greatest hits’ you’ve come to expect are here – from the dizzying dervish that forms the Russian Dance to the twinkling enchantment of the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy. And it’s never too early to introduce youngsters to the merriment and majesty of Tchaikovsky’s score.

The 400-seat Florence Gould Hall (part of the Alliance Française on the Upper East Side) proves an intimate venue, and there’s not a bad seat in the house. For true balletomanes, the NYTB also offers a post-show “meet-and-greet” with the cast for group ticket holders (check out the website for more info).

The NYTB’s “Nutcracker” entertains about 5,600 people each holiday (for my daughter and I, it’s now an annual tradition). But like its length, its shelf life is short: there are only 12 performances over the next two weekends (December 11-12 and December 18-19). So if you want to catch this delectable display, you’d better get cracking.