Mini-regional Tour
Chased out by Harvey, Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker dances on in two new locations
Not even Hurricane Harvey can drown a hardy Houston rat, especially one with the title HRH Dancing King Rat of Nutcracker Land. Yes, the news dance and holiday lovers have awaited came Monday as the Houston Ballet announced artistic director Stanton Welch’s production of The Nutcracker will dance on this holiday season.
Though the Ballet’s beloved Wortham Center home will not be ready for performances until May 2018 at the earliest, Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and all the citizens of the Land of Sweets will find not one, but two, new performance venues this season, as they embark on a mini-regional tour.
First up, the Sugar Plum Fairy has quite the surprise for southwest Houston, as she’s arranged a dramatic dancing snowflakes fall in a city she feels quite at home. The Nutcracker tour begins in Sugar Land at the Smart Financial Centre with performances running December 10-23. Then Clara and all the Sweet royals and their entourage head back downtown to ring in the New Year at the Hobby Center from December 30, 2017-January 6, 2018.
The Houston Ballet, the fifth largest in the nation, debuted Welch’s Nutcracker last year to much critical acclaim and delight from Houston audiences. Welch went back to the original 1816 story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King for inspiration when devising his Nutcracker and created a fierce, fun Clara who presides at the center of all the wondrous action. The production includes the Houston Ballet company of dancers as well as students from all levels of the Houston Ballet Academy.
Nutcracker tickets are available to the general public beginning October 14 at the Houston Ballet website. Current ticket holders will be notified regarding their options on relocating to the new venues.
