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Nutcracker in the Lower: Urban Ballet Theater's Take on the Classic

Abrons Arts Center, Henry Street Settlement (466 Grand Street New York City, NY 10002)
Abrons-arts-center
Full Price:
$20.00
Our Price:
$10.00*
4.3 by 37 members
In Urban Ballet Theater's 10th-anniversary performance of Nutcracker in the Lower, the classic story of Clara and her magical adventures is tweaked to reflect modern Manhattan's cultural diversity. The "Party Scene," traditionally depicted as an opulent 19th-century ball, becomes a salsa fiesta, while the "Battle Scene" between the gigantic mice and crisp toy soldiers is infused with hip-hop choreography. Tchaikovsky's original score remains largely intact but is injected with elements of hip-hop and flamenco in a diverse story for both children and adults.

* Additional fees apply.

All offers for Nutcracker in the Lower have expired.

The last date listed for Nutcracker in the Lower was Sunday December 4, 2011 / 3:00pm.

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Henry Street Settlement,
466 Grand Street
New York City, NY 10002
212-598-0400
Abrons-venue

Goldstar Member Tips

  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Lace was quite warn so tru ight clothing many people were in tank tops. My dress was sleeveless.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    I went in leggings and a light long sleeve shirt, pretty casual and was comfortable.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Plan to eat before or after; not much in the way of refreshments.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Seating - the theater is small but you get a great view of the stage no matter where you sit.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Casual
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    No refreshments
  • Paul Conrow on Information
    General admission so arrive a little early to get a good seat.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Nothing fancy. Very very casual.
  • Sohobelle on Information
    There's a CVS on the corner but must walk back towards Essex St for decent bars & restaurants
  • Sohobelle on Information
    Closest subway stop: F train to East Broadway
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    If you take subway leave yourself extra time for travel
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Wear whatever you wish
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Subway not that close. I walked fast in both directions
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Causal dress. Layers good- got warm in the theater.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Nice spanish restaurant a block away. Food was good.
  • Goldstar Member on Information
    Driving and parking was just fine. Just across the williamsburg bridge.

24 Goldstar Member Reviews

Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

It was really great and I had a wonderful evening. Even my husband that refuses to go to the ballet liked it a lot! Thanks!

Written on Dec 10 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 karen fong
5.0

This inner city interpretation of the Nutcracker added humor and everyday life occurances while keeping to the main story line of this holiday classic.

Written on Dec 06 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
4.0

very enjoyable first half, especially the twist with the hip hop. the second half left some to be desired.

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Vi7oria
4.0

Very good accommodation, great performance. Very creative! My friends and I had a lot of fun.

Written on Dec 05 2011
6054785335617060793950247184198834780574321057092942316286560803249935668531_scott__marianne_-_ny Marianne Scott
5.0
Red Velvet Member

OMG! This was awesome, spectacular, great! The actors and actresses was awesome! It was adorable, exciting, exhilarating, magnificent, wonderful, roaring, jubilant, ecstatic, gratifying, all roll into one! I hope they continue this till the end of the month. This is a definite must see!

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

This event was awesome. Every time I looked over at my daughter she said "Mommy I love it!!" Thanks for a great show!!!

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

loved,loved,loved itt !........like being out of town in NEW YORK....TRULY INSPIRING,TOOK 5 GUESTS THAT ARE VERY CRITICAL..AND..THEY ALL LOVED IT.........THANKS FO BRINGING IT TO MY ATTENTION,MERRY CHRISTMAS,ANTHONY MUTO

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

Nutcracker in the lower was amazing! It was entertaining. The cast was just extraordinary!

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Annie
4.0

It was an enjoyable play. The artists were very energetic and engaging.

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

My 3yr-old and I enjoyed the show so much! I was so impressed that my son sat through the whole thing and actually had a good time! The performance was spectacular and enjoyable. The city needs to have more shows like this one! Excellent dancers and performers! Congrats!

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Simeona1227
4.0

It was truly creative! It was inbetween a recital and a professional performance. The choreography was very creative. The performance represented all dances, which I never thought would be possible with classical music! Loved it!

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
3.0

There are some talented dancers but it was overall an amaturish production.
The stage sets and costumes were good.
It was good to hear the original recorded music from the Nutcracker.

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

I attended the show with my sister and my daughter.
We all loved it, my daughter who's 11 didn't even blink.
She really enjoyed the show.

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

My family and I loved the performance. It was wonderful. The first part was a little boring, but not for long....OMG! it picked up and I want to say Bravo to all the dancers.

Written on Dec 05 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Sohobelle
3.0

Community theater at it's best. Have enjoyed all the productions I've seen here.

Written on Dec 04 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
4.0

The show is vibrant and unique. Fun. Highly recommend. Audiences are not the best. I assume most of audiences are families/friends of the performers, do they give applause for not so good piece of performance. The show doesnt start on time. Still, interesting and full of different types of dance, didn't alter traditional flow and music much yet innovative and modern. Not most high quality performance (didn't expect that), but definitely worth watching. Really hope for the performers and the dance company that they can get more and more real audiences in the future. Some of the dancers deserve it, and it would create more appreciative atmosphere.

Written on Dec 03 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Paul Conrow
5.0

Very fun unique presentation of The Nutcracker.

Written on Dec 02 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

I have seen many, many nutcrackers during my lifetime... I couldn't look away for a second. It was amazing to see such talented people intertwining all the different styles of dance. The dancers speak fluently with their bodies... absolutely stunning. I am impressed.

Written on Dec 02 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
3.0

It was not bad. Some scenes were obviously more rehearsed than others which made for a mixed experience.

If you have never seen the nutcracker or have no idea of the premise, this show wont help much. The acting was not bad and it was a great surprise to see mix of ballet and modern dance.

For the price, I suppose it wasn't a bad performance, but some practice is needed for some of the dancers.

Written on Dec 02 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

This was an awesome production!!!! I loved this version of The Nutcracker with the urban, multi-cultural twist. I recommend this show for everyone of every ethnicity and of every age group.

Written on Dec 02 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
4.0

The very first part was not like a real ballet but the remaining part was really good..

Written on Dec 01 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

This was highly enjoyable. It was creative, it was funny and it was emotionally charged. I could not have been happier with show. The dancers were great and despite the fact that i knew all the songs to the nutcracker and have seen it multiple times, i never felt like i was watching something i had seen before. I would highly recommend this show (in fact, I already have).

Written on Nov 30 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
5.0

Gorgeous urban ballet with different cultural elements, Chinese fan dance, Arab belly dancing, African tribal dance, Spanish flamenco. And of course classical ballet- tutus and all!
Real fun I loved it

Written on Nov 30 2011
Missing_member_pic_grid_2_1 Goldstar Member
4.0

Great adaption. Highly entertaining and a great price.

Written on Nov 30 2011

More Information About Nutcracker in the Lower

Website

http://support.henrystreet.org/site/PageServer?pagename=...

Quotes & Highlights

Description

Krumping rats and popping soldiers, crooked hats, and The Nutcracker, re-imagined by the Urban Ballet Theater, will never be the same. Abrons hosts Nutcracker in the Lower for its 10th-anniversary year, establishing a cultural tradition that is as diverse as it is relevant. Daniel Catanach, Artistic Director of UBT, is acclaimed for his movement vocabulary that innovates storytelling for both children and adults.

Nutcracker in the Lower explodes with daring and delight, twisting the classic story of Clara and her magical adventures to reflect Manhattan's cultural diversity. The party scene, traditionally depicted as an opulent 19th-century ball, becomes a holiday salsa fiesta. The battle scene can easily be imagined in a crumbling subway station as gigantic mice and crisp toy soldiers wage war over the heroine's fate. The production retains the traditional grace of classical ballet in the delicate "Snow Pas de Deux" and "Waltz of the Flowers." The Cavalier and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy is a Romantic interpretation of Clara's idealized family. Clara's journey through these tableaux echo the audience’s own experience through this new interpretation.

Tchaikovsky's original score remains largely intact throughout the ballet, injected with the baselines of hip-hop and the burnished cante of flamenco. UBT's representation of such diversity is not only intentional, but also a natural expression of the multilayered community of artists in the Lower East Side

About the Ticket Supplier: Abrons Arts Center

The Abrons Arts Center brings innovative artistic excellence to Manhattan's Lower East Side through diverse, cutting-edge performances; exhibitions/artist residencies; classes and workshops for all ages, including pre-professional training for youth; and arts-in-education programming at public schools.

Some of the most adventurous artists of the past century have trained, taught, or performed at Henry Street, including John Cage, Aaron Copland, Dizzy Gillespie, Martha Graham, Alicia Keyes, Alwin Nikolais, Jackson Pollack, Denzel Washington, and Orson Welles.