One of the most spectacular Czech holiday traditions to take in is The Nutcracker – A Christmas Carol at the National Theater. It is a great family tradition we started when our girls were very young and continues every year!
Now some of you might wonder why I am writing about the The Nutcracker in July. Well, not only is it an enjoyable evening out with family or friends, but NOW is the time to purchase your tickets for December or January! Every year tickets sell out early so if this has been on your to do list or maybe you are adding it now, it is definitely worth the time now to purchase your tickets.
The beauty of the National Theater is a wonderful setting for the Czech National Ballet to provide a unique performance by combining aspects of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker with Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. Originally choreographed by Youri Vàmos, a hungarian and former Artistic Director of Deutsche Oper am Rhein Dusseldorf, the well written piece is extremely enjoyable for all ages. The Orchestra of the National Theater does an excellent job of playing throughout the performance as well.
Over the years of taking in the performance certain aspects of the story or members of the ballet company stood out for us. The main performers of the production has been the same for the past several years and are extremely well suited for the roles which makes it enjoyable to watch. From the Devil to the Old Scrooge to the children, ballet company members, who perform in the production bring to life a wonderful depiction of the story. The quality of the choreography, stage sets, costumes and music is of exceptional quality!
We even enjoy the cultural aspects of attending a ballet performance. The atmosphere inside the theater is one you would expect decades ago. It is truly an old-fashioned appreciation of live theater and behavior courtesy towards each other in the audience and performers. After attending for many years and observing individuals moving to their seats. Last year, a Czech friend told me they were taught to face the person as they passed the individuals to their seat. While in the US we put our back to whomever we are crossing to get to our seat!
Oh and the encores are incredible! I enjoy watching the audience more so than the performers. The appreciation between the audience, the performers and the orchestra is one that I have not witnessed in other performances here in Prague or in other countries. This is truly a special moment when the admiration for each other and the performance exceeds the grandeur of the theater. Truly one for the Prague memory book!
Show Dates: December 2019 and January 2020
Venue: National Theater
Show time: 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission
Ticket Information: National Theater website
Kim has lived in Prague for over 10 years with her family. Our family enjoys attending live theater, music and other cultural events offered in Prague. It is through these experiences that have enriched our lives while residing here.
