The Nutcracker presented by The Joffrey Ballet at Auditorium Theatre

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Maybe it is just a fervent act of homage to the 25th anniversary of the Joffrey Ballet’s distinctive Victorian American (think Age of Lincoln) version of “The Nutcracker,” crafted by Robert Joffrey (with help from Gerald Arpino), shortly before his death. Maybe it is simply that the company, now directed by Ashley Wheater (who was part of that first production), is dancing at an exceptionally high level at the moment. Or maybe it is a happy combination of both things."

Centerstage - Recommended

"... Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” isn’t about thinking, it’s about feeling. The sprawling show often surprises and doesn’t always make much logical sense, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. The Joffrey Ballet’s production follows in that same vein with a mostly enchanting, sometimes confusing production of “The Nutcracker”, a holiday tale about the mystical midnight adventures of young heroine Clara."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...It's now a quarter century old - the late Robert Joffrey's winter-warm staging of Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Now running through December 27 at the Auditorium Theatre, this year's "The Nutcracker" is faithful to the formula - a plot tiny enough to be quickly danced out on a magical battleground, allowing for the real treat - a showcase of celebration in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended

"...To the Joffrey's credit though, this probably isn't the Nutcracker you remember: it takes some departures both toward the sublime (you will not forget the sights and yes, sounds of falling snowflakes in the Enchanted Forest) and dark (are we really OK with the sinister-looking Dr. Drosselmeyer whisking off young Clara on these nocturnal adventures?). Throughout this production, the choreography of the ballet is intricate and the dancing uniformly passionate and "en pointe" - the holiday party scene in Act I alone, featuring a cast of at least 30 adult and children dancers, is a marvel."

Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended

"..."The Nutcracker" blends its pageantry with the score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. One of the boons of the Joffrey presentation is the pleasure of hearing the full Tchaikovsky score. A 20-minute condensation is world famous as the "Nutcracker Suite," but there is so much more melodious music beyond the Greatest Hits of the suite, especially as performed by the fine Chicago Philharmonic ensemble conducted by Scott Speck."