Taking the Nutcracker to New Heights

No one has ever seen a Nutcracker like this. The Phoenix Symphony and Troupe Vertigo bring the world premier of A Cirque Nutcracker to the Mesa Arts Center this month.

Toy soldiers and grand jetés will be replaced by strong men and hula hoops. Contortionists, aerialists and jugglers will perform on stage – and 40 feet above it.

The symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s music, while eight to 10 former Cirque du Soleil artists amaze the audience with their limberness, dexterity and strength.

When someone says “March of the Toy Soldiers” today, you see young men in red uniforms stiffly marching. When Troupe Vertigo says it, imagine a woman, back arched and facing up, strolling across the stage on all fours.

A Cirque Nutcracker was born from a desire to fuse music, movement and story.

“Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is one of the crowning masterpieces in the marriage of music and narrative, and it has inspired choreographers to reinvent the visual experience time and time again,” says Emmy Tu, Troupe Vertigo director.

This presentation adds fresh dimensions through Troupe Vertigo’s unique hybrid of cirque, dance and acrobatic art.

“This is an entirely new way to experience this holiday favorite,” says Jim Ward, The Phoenix Symphony president and CEO. “Clara’s journey has always been fantastical, but Troupe Vertigo takes it to a whole new level, literally and figuratively. They’ll leave you gasping in amazement.”

A Cirque Nutcracker continues The Phoenix Symphony’s celebrated history of bringing world premieres and one-of-a-kind performances to the Valley.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TROUPE VERTIGO

A Cirque Nutcracker

Dec. 15, 21, 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23 and 24, 2 p.m.

Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa

For more information/tickets, visit phoenixsymphony.org or mesaartscenter.com.