The Must-See Denver Productions of The Nutcracker This Year

You can catch sugar plum fairies all over the Mile High City.

December 1, 2023

Colorado Conservatory of Dance's production of The Nutcracker Courtesy of Amanda Tipton Photography

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For many, the holiday season is marked by sugar plum fairies, mischievous mice and the timeless magic of The Nutcracker ballet. The Denver area has seen a dazzling array of Nutcracker productions that catered to every taste and preference, from the innovative and energetic to traditional renditions infused with local flair.

And whether you're a ballet aficionado or a newcomer to the world of dance, there's something special for you before the end of the year:

Colorado Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Through Sunday, December 24
Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex
This is your grandma's Nutcracker. Staged by the Colorado Ballet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, it follows Clara on the magical evening when her nutcracker comes to life for a battle royale. Running for over 28 performances, the production utilizes the company's lavish custom-made sets and costumes. This is the granddaddy of Nutcrackers around Colorado, and it frequently sells out.

LuneAseas presents 5 Points Nutcracker: A Jazz Experience
Friday, December 22, and Saturday, December 23
The Savoy Denver, 2700 Arapahoe Street
Larea Edwards's directorial debut and an all-new LuneAseas cast present a historical twist on ballet. Often called "The Harlem of the West," Edwards transforms beloved Nutcracker characters while evoking memories of local legends from 5 Points and offering a touching Christmas story steeped in African-American culture. With a touch of improvisational magic, jazz great Tenia Nelson infuses the performance with her distinct musical interpretation of the 1960 score by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Saturday, December 23, and Sunday, December 24
Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place
If you have family in town ahead of Christmas, the Paramount's two-night run of The Nutcracker could be the perfect way to ring in Christmas Eve. Featuring an extraordinary international cast with Ukrainian principal artists performing traditional European ballet in their native style, the production showcases awe-inspiring acrobatics, life-sized puppets and handcrafted sets and costumes.

Did we miss a Nutcracker? If so, send information to [email protected].

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