One of the most recognized, complex, theatrical, staged ballets during the holiday season is Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on a fantasy story about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.

Upon Tchaikovsky’s ​​Nutcracker debut in 1892, the newspapers at the time harshly criticized the play. Despite the negative press of its initial performance, The Nutcracker has become one of the most popular and  frequently performed of all ballets of all time. In addition, it has served as an introduction to classical music for young people all across the world. 

Here in Peekskill, along with the surrounding communities, we are fortunate that the Hudson Valley Dance Theatre will perform not one, but two performances of “The Nutcracker Short & Sweet.”  at the Paramount Hudson Valley on Sunday, December 8. Just as the name implies, the performance is shorter than the full Tchaikovsky version, but certainly just as sweet. 

The 1 p.m. show will be a sensory-friendly performance, followed by a family-friendly performance at 5 p.m. The sensory-friendly performance is designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities. Modifications include: lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds; the lights will remain on at a low level in the theater throughout the entire performance; there will be a reduction of strobe lighting and lighting focused on the audience; and guests are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance. These modifications ensure a safe and welcoming environment for those diagnosed with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities so that everyone may enjoy activities and cultural programs allowing families to spend quality time together and create meaningful memories. The family-friendly performance is suitable for audiences ages 3 years old and up. 

To top it all off, the Paramount Hudson Valley is selling tickets for a family friendly price of $20 for children and $25 for adults. Tickets are selling fast though for both shows, so do not wait to buy tickets. Tickets are available on the Paramount Hudson Valley website and at the box office.

The Hudson Valley Dance Theatre began rehearsals for this year’s performance in September. Members of the junior and senior companies range in age from 7 to 17 years old and travel from Monroe, Central Valley, Cornwall, Newburgh, New Windsor, and Highland Falls. Eva Guzman and Hayley Rutenber will perform the role of Clara, Seamus Smith and Damian Caluori with be the Nutcrackers, Sophia Pesci will be the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Beth Maurer will narrate the production.

This is the second show the Paramount has held in the past two months that has highlighted and geared performances to those who are on special needs embracing family inclusive programming. The Omnium Circus performed I’m Possible on November 3rd as Peekskill Herald contributor Wendy Healy featured in Creating laughter for a living.

Don’t forget to tell everyone at The Nutcracker and at the Paramount Hudson Valley, you read about it in the Peekskill Herald. 

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