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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 12, 2003

Time to get your 'Nutcracker' on

Advertiser Staff

You know it's Christmas when the various dance companies around town stage their versions of "The Nutcracker," the ballet that's accompanied by Tchaikovsky's joyous music.

It's the tale of a young girl, Clara, who, at her family's Christmas Eve party, is given a nutcracker in the form of a prince by the mysterious family friend Drosselmeier. After the party is over, Clara returns to the Christmas tree to admire her gift, falls asleep and dreams a glorious tale of the gallant prince, an army of mice and other wonderful characters.

Two "Nutcracker" productions open this weekend on O'ahu; another two open later this month. The details:

Hawaii State Ballet's run will take place over two weekends beginning today at Mamiya Theatre on the Saint Louis School campus. Tickets are $16, $18 and $22 for adults, with a $2 discount for seniors and children 12 and younger.

  • 7 p.m. today and Saturday and Dec. 19-20; 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 20-21; and 6 p.m. Sunday / Mamiya Theatre / 947-2755

Hawaii Ballet Theatre's production opens Saturday. Tickets are $24 general, $20 military/seniors/ children, $12 students for evening shows.

  • 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 20; 4 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 21 / Leeward Community College Theatre / 839-1596

Ballet Hawaii performs for three nights with the Honolulu Symphony. Guest artists include the American Ballet Theatre's Xiomara Reyes as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and New York City Ballet's Joaquin De Luz as the Prince. Tickets are $25, $40 and $55.

  • 8 p.m. Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 2 p.m. Dec. 21 / Blaisdell Concert Hall / 521-8600, (877) 750-4400
  • Also: On opening night, there will be a pre-performance dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Tickets are $125, which includes VIP reserved parking, VIP seating at the ballet and a backstage, post-performance wine bar. 395-7216.

Honolulu Dance Theatre's version is Island-flavored, featuring King Kalakaua, Princess Ka'iulani and other historical figures. Tickets are $16, $20 and $24 for adults, with a $4 discount for seniors, students, children and military.

  • 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 21 / Hawai'i Theatre / 528-0506