The Nutcracker - Richmond Ballet

So creative. I especially enjoyed Little BoPeep and the sheep and wolf. My 5 year old granddaughter was absolutely spellbound by the show, a wonderful time for both of us to long remember.

The show was great! Had a lot of fun. However, I would recommend adding that you will need cash for parking as this made us late for the show due to no cash in hand to park.

Second year in a row I have traveled from New Jersey to Norfolk just to take my granddaughter as a birthday present. We both enjoyed it immensely.

The Richmond Ballet did not disappoint! The presentation was absolutely delightful from the choreography, costumes, music, set, and most of all the talent! I will take my young granddaughters next year! Thank you!

They were totally outstanding. Very Enjoyable! Please come again!

I must say I was amazed! Took my teenage daughter and being both of our first times seeing the Nutcracker we were amazed!! It was everything an more!!!

The Richmond Ballet Company's performance was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with our family. There were traditional dances to enjoy, as well as different touches such as the Russian Bear, which kept the performance fresh.

I am not a frequent attendee at Ballets, but this was outstanding.

Great show! The talent was unbelievable and the music was great! I would love to make this an annual outing.

absolutely fantastic!!! wish I could have seen it again!

I took my granddaughter to see the Richmond Ballet Nutcracker at Chrysler Hall. It was her first time, and mine, seeing the Nutcracker live. I have to say it was an amazing performance. We both thoroughly enjoyed the show. We would definitely see it again! Who knows this may become our new Christmas tradition.

This was my first ballet. It was beautiful The performance was amazing. I had a wonderful experience, and, I am looking forward to attending another, hopefully soon.

Richmond Ballet The Nutcracker was a perfect date night event. The performers were all excellent. I loved how the 'toys' all had their own beautiful interpretation, and we had many laughs at some of their antics. A must see over the holidays ~ my husband even said "Wow'!

I took my daughter to see The Nutcracker for the first time when she was 3 years old. This year, we celebrated 20 years of seeing this holiday classic together. Richmond Ballet never disappoints! The sets and costumes were lush and vibrant. It was clear all the dancers love performing this show. We'll choose Richmond Ballet again for our favorite holiday tradition!

The show was captivating, colorful and magical. Well worth the money and enjoyable for all ages.

Great show for all ages. Had three kids from 5-9 yrs old and they all loved the music, lights and of course the performance!

The Nutcracker performance was very good. I loved the comediic nterludes interjections were cute. The bear was great. The story was easy to follow and the description in the program was excellent to follow for those who had never seen it before. Dancers were phenomenal! Overall a wonderful rendition of a classic. Oftentimes some try to make it their own but it loses something in the translation. The creative license was good and on point and the story continues.

Overall, excellent performance. I was a little disappointed in some of the choreography however. It was performed beautifully though. Suggestion for the ballet company -- make it available on DVD to purchase. I watch Baryshnikov's version of the Nutcracker every year. I would love to have a copy of the Richmond version to watch as well.

My 8 year old daughter was mesmerized by the performance. She left the theater dancing. This was enjoyable for even a non ballet person.

I haven't been to the Nutcracker since I was a little kid, and went with someone who has been going to see another production of the Nutcracker for years and we both agreed it was Phenomenal!! I'm hoping it will come back next year so I can start a tradition with this wonderful show:)

it was great! Highly recommend this. My wife and I have been to this for several years now and every time is a treat. Each year they change the scenery up a bit to keep it fresh. The dance company is absolutely terrific!

I attended the Dec. 13, 2014, 7:00 pm performance at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk, VA. It was a wonderful production and the performers were excellent. I was very glad I attended this production instead of another one that was at Sandler Center for the Arts happening at the same time. The Richmond Ballet has nationally qualified talent and they exceeded my expectations in their ability and entertainment value. Having the Virginia Symphony provide the music was a special treat; these professionals are truly fantastic and brought energy and a crispness to the musical score.

It was a very magical experience for all ages! The costumes are absolutely beautiful and the performance made you feel like you were in a different world.

This was our first time at Chrysler Hall plus the first time ever seeing any version of The Nutcracker. We needed seats with Wheelchair access and to date the Chrysler Hall handled that need absolutely THE BEST of any venue we have experienced. The sound, lighting, and sets ... WOW... The performance by all involved was spectacular! The Orchestra hit no flat notes and the volume was perfect. We are looking forward to coming back to Chrysler Hall for a performance. The stage performers were enchanting from the youngest lamb to the eldest party-goer. This performance had it all -- expressiveness, grace, energy, flexibility, stamina, humor, beauty, bling, tenderness, bling, pageantry, and on and on. We have told every person with ears that they should not miss this!

The Richmond Ballet put on a wonderful, magical performance of the Nutrcracker Suite. A truly lovely experience - the snake charmer's dance was amazing, the Russian dancing bear was very funny, the sugar plum fairies, the princess - everyone did such an amazing job and of course the Symphony added so much to a perfect performance! Thank you!

This was literally the best nutcracker I have ever seen on screen or stage. The va symphony was incredible!

The Richmond Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker surpassed my expectations. The sets were elaborate and the costumes looked great. The dancers managed to bring personality and even humor to their dancing. I took my daughter for her first show-wasn't sure what to expect and throughly enjoyed it. The patrons around us echoed similar sentiments. Great job Richmond Ballet Company!

Richmond Ballet has very talented dancers with a commitment to promoting the arts in the community. Their performance was a real treat!

This was the first time seeing the Nutcracker. What an amazing performance! The Richmond Ballet gave a memorable presentation I will not forget.

I have seen many versions of The Nutcracker over the years and I believe this was the most beautiful one yet. The dancers were wonderful and there was humor in the show too. It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon.

My first time seeing the nutcracker live. It was amazing!!! Had a wonderful time..

This show never disappoints. We laughed and cried. Beautiful production. Knocked off one star because concessions were severely under staffed.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE - WOULD NOT MISS IT EACH YEAR!!!

Excellent performance. Amazing costumes. A must see!

The Richmond Ballet did an amazing job with their performance of The Nutcracker. The dancers were energetic & charismatic through all the movements. Of course, the bear during the Russian dance was a show stealer. The Arabian dance was mesmerizing with their interpretation of it as a Snake & her Snake Charmer. I would go to see it again anytime!

My daughter was enthralled! Music by Virginia Symphony was fantastic!

My family and I cannot stop raving about the performance of The Nutcracker. This year's production was the best one that I have ever seen. It was humorous and beautifully presented. The young dancers were so perfect for their parts and the symphony made tears come to my eyes several times. Well done and I will be returning next year for another superior performance. Pat yourselves on the back for all the hard work each person has done to bring the cultural arts and little pets to our Christmas season. God bless each and every one of you.

Even with cheap seats, it was a lot of fun. The kids next to me thought they knew the tune of the songs, but they did not. The humming wasn't bad because they'd stop after the melody. Chrysler Hall is beautiful, and Norfolk is an interesting town. It was a nice date night idea, even though we were four and a half hours away!! :)

Stunning performance, very professionally done and enjoyed it very much!

Amazing and magical!!!! Great for kids and Adults. Loved that they did a dog adoption at intermission!

We go every year, sometimes with my daughters, and it's always a memorable experience!

The Richmond Ballet always presents a wondrous production of The Nutcracker. From the children involved to the most seasoned veteran, it's a pleasure to watch. Amazing talent.

The ballet itself was beautiful. The orchestra was magnificent! The dancers were extraordinary and entertaining and my children enjoyed seeing it for first time.I return every year to enjoy it.

What a wonderful experience! My daughter and I enjoyed the performance so much. Highly recommended

I go to see the Richmond Ballet s Nutcracker every year and they never disappoint. It s the perfect mixture of beautiful ballet, holiday cheer, and a little comedic relief. Something for everyone. Always gets me excited for the holidays!

The performance was awesome. The venue was beautiful and all employees very helpful. The reason receiving 4 stars and not 5, not enough restrooms.

This performance was the best I've ever seen! The choreography was a bit different, with some easier to relate and even funny additions. The ballet was phenomenal - excellent by everyone. It was magical - a definite MUST SEE! Enjoy...

This production was simply amazing. The audience was about 40% children which at first had me a little apprehensive. However, this production was mesmerizing and in many parts, outright funny, and the entire audience was engaged and enthralled. The orchestra was outstanding, and to hear live music in its full glory was thrilling. The cast included scores of local children, all excellent dancers, and you could tell that every single cast member was totally enjoying the experience of performing for a full house. At some points in the productions, such as the opening scene with the Christmas Eve party, there was so much going on on-stage that it was hard to keep track of it all - the choreography was amazing! And the end of act 1, with snow falling and ballerinas in full "ballerina gear" flying across the stage was a fantasy scene that was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Act 2 picked up the pace, tiny mice, the star of the show (for the kids) a Russian dancing bear (hamming it up like a college mascot), an oriental dragon dance, and a mesmerizing snake dance during which you could have heard a pin drop in the theater. Then - the Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy. What more can I say? Everyone left smiling and talking like crazy about it- that is the best praise I can give. All our kids are grown, but I recommend you take yours. All I can imagine is hundreds of kids sleeping that night with visions of sugar plum (fairies - and bears!) dancing in heads.

I took my granddaughters, daughter-in-law and her mom and to watch their faces filled with awe and wonder was a sight to behold. We will be coming back every year! Merry Christmas!!

This was the best performance of the nutcracker I have seen in my 55 years. The costumes the dancing and the interaction with the audience were exemplary

fabulous dancers, colorful and clever costuming, brilliant musicians, fun modern update to story, magical!

Absolutely beautiful performance! We have seen the show three times throughout my daughters' childhoods, and the experience gets better every time. The blend of professional classical music, creative set, graceful dance, and dynamic arrangement makes for a truly magical time. A wonderful escape from the frazzle of holiday demands, obligations, and responsibilities.

I highly recommend this to kick off the holiday season for families and couples. It has become a holiday staple for us to get into the Holiday Spirit these last 3 years. Visual and aural spectacle well executed by all of the performers.

The Richmond Ballet & Orchestra blew us away in the Nutcracker performance. The dancers were so graceful and beautiful to watch along with the perfectly tuned symphony. Everything about the performance was professional and classic. Truly a magical experience.

Wonderful and beautifully done. Will go see it again!!!!!!

This was an early Christmas present for my son and his partner. It was the second year I'd given them this present. They thoroughly enjoyed it, as usual. The Richmond Ballet and Virginia Symphony Orchestra were first visited during my son's years in college at VCU. It was the Nutcracker then, as well. It's become a holiday treasure.

Absolutly beautiful performance. Costumes were to die for; dancing top notch; symphony did not disappoint." I only wish the the ballet company had items to purchase i.e.: special programs, nutcracker momentos.

I was so excited to see this production and was not disappointed. Everything about it was outstanding. The costumes, the staging, and the dancers'. Wow is all I can say.

I haven't been to the nutcracker since I was a kid and my memory might be on the "frtiz" (I'm almost at that hill).. This performance was enjoyable and had some fun elements that I had never experienced before (ex: the little bo peep, the dancing Russian bear, etc.). It was definitely less stoic than what my previous experiences were. The only SAD SAD thing is that the ushers DID NOT/WOULD NOT escort the overly anxious child (2yr old or so) out of the theater. When we pay that much for the experience the parents should have enough respect to remove the child so the rest of the audience can enjoy. The parent could have taken the child to the back of the theater & still have had a view but the sound of the child would have been muffled.--the entire 2nd act was disruptive.

The Richmond Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" is a joy! The company is extremely talented, professional, and brings freshness to what can be a rather predictable Christmas staple. Even if you have to drive to Richmond to see it, I promise you, it will be worth it!

Every dance, every dancer, every scenery was perfect. It was an amazing enjoyment to watch and the magical music is still playing my head.

We attended the production of the Nutcracker at the Chrysler Hall by the Richmond Ballet. The venue is always beautiful. we had seen the Nutcracker done many times in the past and i've attended the ballet in St Petersburg Russia as well as the Kennedy theatre w/ Baryshnikov. i wasn't certain how the production would go since i had never read, heard or seen any productions from the Richmond Ballet before. i have to say my whole family, a critical bunch, and i, were all so delighted and uplifted by this performance. From the beautiful props, to the exquisite costumes, to the delightful children on stage and the very well trained adults who all performed - very very well done. we were transformed. the orchestra was right on point and did not overshadow what was occurring on stage. each segment held delightful new things to see and there was never a feeling of - i've seen this all before... not once. The children who performed were poised and gorgeous. The choreography was graceful and delicate. this has made us definite fans of the Richmond Ballet and absolutely full of the Christmas spirit.

The Richmond Symphony was excellent. The music was wonderful. The dancers were adequate. The battle with the mice was ho-hum. Were they afraid of frightening the children ( who see much worse on TV)? Herr Drosselmaier was disappointing. There were times during the house party when dancers did not perform in unison. I thought that as the Ballet Theatre for the capitol of Virginia it would have more proficient dancers, but that was not the case. It was a satisfactory performance, not stellar and not poor.

enjoyed it immensely. very well done and kept the children enthralled.

This was the best nutcracker performance I have ever seen. I was afraid my 7-year -old would be bored. She loved it. It was very entertaining and the dancers were amazing.

What a fantastic performance! I love the Richmond Ballet's take on the Nutcracker! The talent was top notch, and I got goosebumps multiple times during the performance.

Wonderful! Beautiful music - nothing beats hearing the pure sounds from the orchestra pit. Actors did a wonderful job of expressing their parts w/o words and the ballet dancers danced exquisitely. LOVED every minute!

the dancing and actor portrayals was great. the different scenes were bright and captivating. i would go again.

Another excellent production of the Nutcracker by Richmond Ballet and the Virginia Symphony! Everything was magical! I was absolutely transported to fairyland when the Snow King and Queen were dancing, and sparkling, glimmering snow flakes were falling from the sky - a complete suspension of time and place! The Symphony playing makes such a huge difference, adds so much to the show! The Snake and Snake Charmer -well, what can be said about that snake! Does that woman have a bone in her body?!! Just the right touch of mystery and seduction! The fairies, the butterfly, the sugarplum fairies, little Bo Peep and her sheep were lovely. The Russian Bear stole the show, of course! The Chinese dragon, everything, was great, funny, breathtaking and magical! Thank you for such a wonderful performance!

This is our second year. Our daughter insisted. It is a wonderful experience as always.

I haven't been to a ballet in a few years but this one definitely made up for it. This show was amazing from the dancers, to the backgrounds and the symphony. I really enjoy this production and have raved about it to a number of people. I would definitely go see anything the Richmond Ballet performs again.

This was our first time seeing a ballet and it did not disappoint. The dancing was amazing -- from the youngest child in the cast on up to the principals.The costumes and sets were beautiful and helped tell the story in wonderful, colorful detail. The energy of the show was high and the dancers engaged the audience at times which added to our enjoyment. Our kids are teenagers so we weren't sure how they would feel about it. But, both of them enjoyed it very much -- even our 16 year old son! It was an excellent holiday family outing -- suitable for all. It was wholesome and funny. The ticket prices were affordable so it was a 'reasonable splurge' during a time of year when everyone is spending, spending, spending.

Great, Great, just Great. The kids truly enjoyed it as well as the adults.

A well put together performance by the cast of this classic ballet.

Absolutely beautiful. Live orchestra was fantastic and dancers are the epitome of grace, beauty and athleticism.

The costumes, music and dancing were some of the best I've seen. I recommend employing more ushers, though. Numerous attendees were wandering about not sure where to go, especially those with tickets to the first 3 rows, which were not marked (i.e., ee, ff, gg). I applaud your use of more modest costumes for the men. I always hesitate to bring children to this, as the costumes can be obscene. This production minimized that issue to a great extent and I was not alone in appreciating that.

This is not my first time to see the Nutcracker at Chrysler by the Richmond Ballet and the Virginia Symphony, but it was certainly the best time. Two of my three grandchildren sat enthralled through it. At only 2 and 3 years old, I am glad we have such quality ballets to show them. How will they know what they like if they don't see such things?

Good show! Needs a little more diversity in the ballet.

The Richmond Ballet's Nutcracker is beautiful on it's on, but combine it with the Virginia Symphony and it's perfection. My daughter and I look forward to kicking off the holidays each year with The Nutcracker. See you next year!

The Nutcracker 2015 performance was incredible! The VA Ballet Company this year did a marvelous job. The atmosphere was great, and the enthusiasm was something to experience first hand. From young to old it was appreciated by all whom attended. I was proud to have taken the family and enjoyed this classic at Christmas.

The Nutcracker is something that I have had on my bucket list for years. I finally got an opportunity to go and I enjoyed every minute of it.

The Richmond Ballet is truly magical. I sat in the front row in front of the orchestra and it was amazing to watch them and the dancers. I've seen this performed by the Richmond Ballet 3 years now and it just gets better and better. Pure magic.

We enjoyed most of the play, but felt it was a little less professional than we were expecting. The Snow King & Queen were excellent, but some dancers, like the Chinaman and the Russians were less impressive.

"Clara" had too minor a part...stood doing nothing for way too long, not enough opportunity to dance; no interaction with dancing toys. The Christmas tree was flat...no texture or dimension; a big disappointment. Ballet corps technique was very good, but choreography boring.

Grandson and I enjoyed the ballet very much . Plan to see again.

This was the second year we sat next to the pit. My daughter is a Music Ed major and really was fascinated with the orchestra and how it emphasized the performances. Watching the conductor and seeing how the connection between him and the orchestra really helped her to understand music performance.

I loved the Richmond Ballet's concept and execution of The Nutcracker. The settings, costumes, and lighting created a magical, mystical environment of wonder and enchantment. The director's sense of humor and appeal to all ages was apparent throughout the production with special attention to the humor found in the mouse king and his army of mice. The balancing act between the snake and her handler was surprising, suspenseful and erotic. What fun it was to watch Little Bo Peep find her sheep including the little black one. There were several moments I realized tears were streaming down my face as I was swept up in the joy and passion of the moment, especially during the dance of the Snow Queen and Snow King at the end of the first act. My granddaughters were delighted and we plan to make this an annual event.

Richmond Ballet's rendering of the classic Nutcracker was a beautiful performance. Fun was had by all in my family (even the 11 year old who insisted that he didn't want to go and that ballet was "stupid"). They kept it pretty classic but added a hint of humor (the dancing bear was hilarious) to keep the younger ones having fun. The backdrops and costuming were both amazing. I also really liked the use of local ballet students for a large number of minor children's roles. My only complaint is that they only perform it at two venues (Richmond and Norfolk).