‘Nutcracker’ opportunities still abound

The recent “Nutcracker” featuring the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and the San Diego Ballet was the season’s only fully professional, live-music production of Peter Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet. But those still searching for their “Nutcracker” fix have three options coming up.

The Peak Ballet Theatre: “The Nutcracker 2007” (Dec. 8-9)

Along with over 50 of the region’s most promising dance students, this production features guest dancers Cristian Laverde König, whose credits include the Milwaukee Ballet and Cuba’s National Ballet, and Andrew Thompson, long-time dancer with Colorado Ballet. The innovative choreography is created by Mark and Sandra Carlson of Denver’s International Ballet School.

Zamuel Ballet School: “The Nutcracker 2007” (Dec. 8-9)

This traditional staging also brings in international talent to supplement the students. This year it’s Lucien Postlewaite, soloist for the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, who will perform the role of the cavalier.

Colorado’s Classical Youth Ballet, the Colorado Springs Conservatory Singers and actor David Sckolnik: “The Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Tea” (Dec. 15-16)

“We’re the ballet company with the food,” said company co-artistic director Patricia Hoffman. This version is slightly abridged — though it leaves the story intact — and adds narration, telling the story of the ballet’s creation from Tchaikovsky’s viewpoint. Hoffman promises that it will be “fun, interesting, and multi-dimensional.”

details

The Peak Ballet Theatre presents “The Nutcracker 2007”

When: 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 1 and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 9

Where: Palmer High School Auditorium, 301 N. Nevada Ave.

Tickets: $15; thepeakballet.org; 632-7511

Zamuel Ballet School presents “The Nutcracker 2007”

When: 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 1 p.m. Dec. 9

Where: Mitchell High School Theater, 1205 Potter Drive

Tickets: $15; 439-7851; www.zamuelballet.com

Colorado’s Classical Youth Ballet, Colorado Springs Conservatory Singers and actor David Sckolnik present “A Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Tea”

When: 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15-16

Where: Rampart High School Theatre, 8250 Lexington Drive

Tickets: $17, $13 for kids under 12 and seniors; 272-7078; balletsocietyofcoloradosprings.com