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Get ’cracking! Six ‘Nutcracker’ shows in Brooklyn

Get ’cracking! Six ‘Nutcracker’ shows in Brooklyn
Hollywood Entertainment Group

‘Tis the season for ballet!

In addition to a burlesque version of “Nutcracker,” a half-dozen other productions of the holiday classic will take place all over Brooklyn this year. From adult action to kiddie fare, there is an option for everyone.

Nuts for peace

The Moscow Ballet kicks off the season with its “Great Russian Nutcracker” at the Kings Theatre. The show is dedicated to world peace, replacing the second act’s “Land of Sweets with the “Land of Peace and Harmony,” and a two-person “dove of peace” puppet. The show also features hand-painted sets, designed by frequent Wes Anderson collaborator Carl Sprague.

Kings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Ave., between Tilden Avenue and Duryea Place in Flatbush, (718) 856–5464, www.kingstheatre.com). Dec. 3 at 3 pm. $30–$180.

Mouse King in Kings

Brooklyn Ballet puts a local spin on the dance show with “The Brooklyn Nutcracker,” which adds a bit of hip-hop to the mix. Projected sets will help transport the audience from old Dutch Breukelen to modern-day Flatbush Avenue, and technological costumes will turn each dancer into a light show.

Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Parkway at Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights, (718) 246–0146, www.brooklynballet.com). Dec. 7 at 8 pm, Dec. 8–9 at 7:30 pm, Dec. 11 at 1 pm and 4 pm. $25 ($40 on Dec. 7).

The classic

Gelsey Kirkland Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” may be the borough’s most traditional take on the classic ballet. The diverse company features dancers from all over the world, and its production takes place on a romantic set inspired by a baroque theater.

GK Arts Center (29 Jay St. between John and Plymouth streets in Dumbo, (212) 600–0047, www.gkartscenter.org). Dec. 8–18; Thu–Fri at 7:30 pm; Sat at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Sun at noon and 5 pm. $20–$59.

That’s nutty

“The Hard Nut” is a genderbent production that puts a swinging ’70s twist on “The Nutcracker.” The annual production from Mark Morris Dance Group, which uses Tchaikovsky’s original score and a blend of ballet, modern, and folk dance, has become a beloved Brooklyn tradition.

BAM Howard Gilman Opera House (30 Lafayette Ave., between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Greene, (718) 623–7885, www.bam.org). Dec. 10–18 at various times. $25–$125.

Kids ‘cracker

For a child-friendly approach to Tchaikovsky’s classic work, check out “The Colonial Nutcracker,” from Westchester Dance Theatre. A narrator will guide the audience through the production, which is set in colonial Yorktown, making the story clear to kids as young as 5.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts (2900 Avenue H, at Nostrand Avenue in Midwood, (718) 951–4500, www.brooklyncenter.org). Dec. 11 at 2 pm. $15.

From Russia with love

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia will perform a full-length version of “The Nutcracker” at Kingsborough College, featuring 40 dancers as sugarplum fairies, mouse kings, and tin soldiers.

On Stage at Kingsborough [2001 Oriental Blvd. between Quentin Street and Decatur Avenue in Manhattan Beach, (718) 368–5596, www.onstageatkingsborough.org]. Dec. 16 at 7 pm. $32–$37.