The beloved ballet, "The Nutcracker," will be broadcast live from the Bolshoi Theatre on December 30 and 31, with showings spanning across Russia, the UAE, Armenia, and Belarus.
According to the Ministry of Culture of Russia, audiences can enjoy this enchanting performance on December 30 at 7:00 PM and December 31 at 12:00 PM Moscow time. This marks not only a festive celebration but also showcases the ballet's long-standing traditions, as well as its universal appeal.
Over 300 cinemas across 112 cities, including key locations such as Dubai, Yerevan, and Minsk, will participate by screening the live events. This unprecedented expansion highlights the performance's significance and its importance to local cultures during the holiday season.
Reported by INTERFAX on December 18, the demand for these cinema broadcasts has far exceeded supply. “Сейчас спрос на локальные кинотеатральные трансляции кратно превысил предложение,” signifying the strong interest and enthusiasm for this classic tale. This frenzy has led to many Russian theaters announcing additional screenings to meet public demand.
Due to its festive spirit, "The Nutcracker" has become synonymous with New Year's celebrations. The ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to the score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, first premiered on December 6, 1892, at the Mariinsky Theatre. Its scenes of wonder and magic have captivated audiences for generations, establishing itself as one of the holiday season's cornerstones.
"Традиционно в декабре в Москве выстраиваются многометровые очереди ради балета, который стал одним из символов Нового года," which elaborates on the cultural prominence and popularity of "The Nutcracker" within Russian society.
The special broadcast promises to deliver not only the enchanting choreography and delightful music but also the essence of holiday cheer, all intertwined with stunning visuals from the grand setting of the Bolshoi Theatre. Attendees can expect to feel the excitement of live performance combined with the comfort of the cinema experience.
For those hoping to find tickets at local cinemas, it's important to note the higher ticket prices, which are around 750 rubles per seat, making this production slightly pricier than regular movie outings.
Whether one wishes to enjoy the show from the warmth of their local cinema or from the renowned stage of the Bolshoi Theatre, this year’s performance is shaping up to be part of the most cherished holiday memories. With over 500 showings slated across both local and international venues, the Bolshoi Theatre’s presentation of "The Nutcracker" promises to be not just another ballet, but rather the highlight of this year’s festive activities.