Thanksgiving is over. That means the Christmas season has officially begun.
We've been overwhelmed with submissions to our arts calendar for the Nutcracker, the quintessential Christmas ballet.
It's the kind of tradition everyone should experience once, but if you're a Nutcracker nut who wants to watch it over and over, you're in luck. We found five different ballet companies performing in six different theaters around St. Louis.
Here's a list of performances, including a note if there's anything unique to add to decades of sugar plum fairies and rat kings:
The Great Russian Nutcracker Company: The Moscow Ballet When: 5 p.m., December 8 Where: Peabody Opera House What's new? This year, exclusive to Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, a tribute to world peace will be added. The "Dove of Peace," will feature two dancers who become one bird with a 20 foot wingspan and escort Masha and Prince to the "Land of Peace and Harmony." Cost: $90, $60, $45 & $35
The Nutcracker Company: Alexandra Ballet When: 2 p.m., December 1 Where: Arnold Recreation Center What's new? This is the best, most heart-warming deal in town: Just make a donation to the wonderful Arnold Food Pantry to get in. Cost: $15 donation to the Arnold Food Pantry
The Nutcracker Company: Missouri Ballet Theater When: 7:30 p.m. December 20; 2 and 7:30 p.m. December 21; 2 and 6 p.m. December 22 Where: Edison Theater What's new? Nothing. Just the traditional ballet. Cost: $40
The Nutcracker Company: Alexandra Ballet When: 7 p.m. December 14, 2 p.m. December 15 Where: The Purser Center, Logan University What's new? Children can make ornaments in the lobby beforehand. Cost: $16.50
The Nutcracker Company: St. louis Ballet When: 2:30 or 7 p.m., December 20-29 Where: Touhill Performing Arts Center What's new? Absolutely nothing. Cost: $20-$52
The Nutcracker Company: Caston Chamber Ballet When: 2 & 7 p.m. December 21, 2 p.m. December 22 Where: Chaminade College Preparatory School What's new? Sadly, nothing. Cost: $15/$20
Follow Lindsay Toler on Twitter at @StLouisLindsay. E-mail the author at [email protected].
