Nutcracker in the Triad

By Katie M

Yesterday I took my four-year-old daughter to the Nutcracker in downtown Winston-Salem, and it truly was a magical event. We met up with her BFF, along with her BFF's mother and grandmother. And after a great lunch at Hutch & Harris, we headed over to the Stevens Center to catch the dazzling performance by the students of the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts and the Winston-Salem Symphony.

While yesterday's 2 pm show was the last performance of the season in Winston-Salem, two other Triad cities are gearing up to keep the tradition alive.

The Greensboro Ballet will present the Nutcracker at the Greensboro Coliseum on the following dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 20 at 1 pm and 7 pm; and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 pm. Ticket prices for opening night are $15 for all seats (except Gold Circle), and tickets for all other shows will range between $10 and $35. You can purchase tickets online by clicking here.

High Point Ballet will also be performing the Nutcracker next weekend – but its performance promises a twist. Known as the Interactive Nutcracker, this event is the only one of its kind in the area and invites audience members to participate. Shows will take place at the Hayworth Fine Arts Center at High Point University. Show dates are Thursday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm, Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec. 20at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and seniors, $22 for students and children.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, High Point Ballet will also present the Land of the Sweets. Performed on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 11 am and 2 pm, these shows are a must see for young children. It will feature a parade of characters giving everyone a chance to meet the Nutcracker cast in full costume, and will include photo and autograph opportunities. Make sure to come early for the festivities as doors open one hour prior to performance.

Also teachers take note: Educators are encouraged to contact High Point Ballet in regards to the Nutcracker Student Performance Series offering special during-the-school-day performances at drastically reduced ticket rates. Performance dates are December 16 and 18. Additional information can be obtained by calling 336-889-2480.

Additionally, Thursday, Dec. 18 is Education Night for the Nutcracker. Tickets are just $10 with a valid student/educator ID, and High Point University students/faculty receives complimentary tickets for this performance only with HPU Passport Card.

Tickets for both the Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets in High Point can be purchased by calling 336-889-9121 between 1 and 6 pm M-F. If you want a personal callback to purchase your tickets at a time convenient to your schedule, you can send an email to tickets@highpointballet.org.

If anyone has experienced the Nutcracker in Greensboro or High Point, or the Land of the Sweets, please add your comments and reviews below!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM