The Yorkville Nutcracker
By Fern Siegel (Posted Dec. 9, 2025)
Tchaikovsky's classical ballet “The Nutcracker,” set on Christmas Eve, debuted in 1892. The story is an adaptation of Dumas’ 1844 short story, which is a retelling of Hoffmann’s 1816 story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” It's proved so popular, that various incarnations have been introduced in the past 133 years.
The holiday classic takes its beloved New York City 1895 twist with Dances Patrelle. “The Yorkville Nutcracker” runs from Dec. 11-14 at the Kaye Playhouse/Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue.
The journey begins with a Christmas Eve party at Gracie Mansion attended by global dignitaries and new police commissioner and future president Theodore Roosevelt. Expect a battle with life-sized mice, a midnight skate on the ponds of Central Park, and a sleigh-ride to the Grand Conservatory of the Bronx Botanical Gardens in time for a beautiful sunrise buffet of sweets, hosted by the Sugar-Plum Fairy.
New York City Ballet's Miriam Miller and Tyler Angle lead the Dances Patrelle cast as the Sugar-Plum Fairy and Cavalier, along with Max Baud and Hayley Clark as the Snow King and Queen, and two new Snow Princes, including Ethan Wilson from the Dance Theater of Harlem.
What’s magical about the "Nutcracker" is that it’s so content-adaptable.
The Pittsburgh Ballet is doing an early 20th-century version of the Steel City, featuring local landmarks such as Mt. Washington and Kennywood amusement park. Now at the Benedum Center, it runs through Dec. 28.
Other cities have also tailored it to their needs, such as Ballet West’s Utah-centric version and San Francisco Ballet’s version, set in 1915 San Francisco and staged till Dec. 28 at the War Memorial Opera House. While many use the George Balanchine choreography, others fashion their own versions, changing staging and libretto.
“The Yorkville Nutcracker” has been a December tradition for 25 years. Tickets are available here.