‘Nutcracker Key West’ Transforms Classic Ballet into Subtropical Fantasy
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Audiences can discover the seafaring heritage and vibrant coral reef environment of the Florida Keys, blended with a sizeable helping of heartfelt holiday spirit, during performances of “Nutcracker Key West” in the subtropical island city. The Keys version of the classic seasonal ballet is set to begin an eight-show run Thursday, Dec. 5.
The production gives the well-known storyline of “The Nutcracker” a unique twist, transforming the tale of young Clara’s dreamlike visit to the land of the Sugarplum Fairy into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.
Rich in talent and visual pageantry, “Nutcracker Key West” stars 16 professional dancers from New York City alongside 200 Keys children and adults. Performers include Maurizio Nardi, a former principal with the prestigious Martha Graham Dance Company.
Staged at the Tennessee Williams Theatre, located at 5901 College Road on the campus of the College of the Florida Keys, the ballet is produced by the theater’s artistic team. The local and visiting dancers bring the well-loved story to life, beginning with scenes depicting an island city party circa 1863.
Standout dance sequences including a dream battle where toy sailors and the “Conch Nutcracker” protect heroine Clara from the Rooster King, recalling Key West’s free-range chicken population. A scene set on the Keys’ coral reef features young children costumed as tumbling pink shrimp in King Neptune’s court, colorful angelfish and a school of sparkling red snapper.
The storyline also includes imagery drawn from the history of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, shipwrecked off Key West in 1622 and humorously dubbed “Atoeshu” in the ballet.
A holiday tradition that Key West residents share with visitors, “Nutcracker Key West” incorporates intricate choreography, elaborate sets and dazzling costumes.
Show dates continue through Dec. 15 and audiences can choose from evening and matinee performances. Prices begin at $35 per person for evening shows and $15 per person for matinees, and tickets can be purchased at keystix.com.
Event information and performance schedule: nutcrackerkeywest.com
In the Key West version of the holiday classic, the Conch Nutcracker battles the Rooster King to protect young heroine Clara.
Young children costumed as colorful fish perform in a scene set on the Keys' coral reef.
The production gives the storyline of The Nutcracker a unique twist, transforming the tale of young Clara’s dreamlike visit to the land of the Sugarplum Fairy into a celebration of Key West’s culture, traditions and underwater wonders.