Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana
There’s not many chances left to catch Carlos Acosta’s beautiful Nutcracker in Havana. It’s a beautiful ballet that has its roots in Costa’s home country – Cuba – and its full of color, grace, very talented dancers, vibrant costumes and wonderful music.
This is not your traditional Nutcracker – this version opens up with a beautiful Cuban backdrop – and then the lively and wonderful performances begin, taking you on a journey of Cuban culture, fashion, style, music and of course dance.
Acosta wanted to bring to this production some of the elements in which he grew up with, and he has succeeded. In this production, a maypole is part of the set, in which people dance around, and this element is a part of Cuban history. Performed by more than 20 dancers from Acosta’s Havana-based Acosta Danza, this production retains the classic story while incorporating all that is Cuba. It’s a celebration of family, love and life.
The end result is a fresh, bold take on a classic, a celebration of the culture, and this leaves your mouth watering for a visit to Cuba.
Having opened at Norwich Theatre Royal on 1 November 2024, and just finishing up at London’s Southbank Centre, the show returns in January with four more cities in the UK.
The cast includes Acosta Danza dancers Laura Rodríguez, Alejandro Silva, Zeleidy Crespo, Raúl Reinoso, Enrique Corrales, Patricia Torres, Daniela Francia, Adria Díaz, Amisaday Nara, Frank Junior, Leandro Fernández, Denzel Francis, Brandy Martínez, Elizabeth Tablada, Chay Deivis, Brian Ernesto, Thalía Cardín, Melisa Moreda, Alexander Arias, Paul Brando, Ofelia Semanat, Aniel Pazos, Cynthia Laffertté and Wendy Friol.
Nutcracker In Havana is a Cuban take on the festive classic, set to an exuberant Cuban newly-commissioned version of the magnificent Tchaikovsky score, arranged by Cuban composer Pepe Gavilondo. Featuring over 20 dancers from Carlos’ Cuban company Acosta Danza, this traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Carlos’ unique style, seeing dance traditions of Cuba carefully fused and woven throughout the classic tale.
With spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9 to 5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote), Cuba collides with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana in a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.
International superstar Carlos Acosta was born in Havana, Cuba and trained at The National Ballet School of Havana. After winning a succession of awards, including the 1990 Prix De Lausanne, he went on to dance professionally with the world’s most prestigious companies, with London’s Royal Ballet becoming his home. Carlos retired from classical ballet in 2016, after 28 years, having performed almost every classical role from Spartacus to Romeo. Carlos created many award-winning shows throughout his ballet career, including Tocororo, and Carlos Acosta and Friends of the Royal Ballet, also choreographing the Royal Ballet productions of Don Quixote and Carmen and the 2014 West End production of Guys and Dolls. He has also written two books, including a work of fiction ‘Pig’s Foot’ and his autobiography ‘No Way Home’. Yuli, a film inspired by his life, premiered at the San Sebastian, Havana and Berlin Film Festivals to critical acclaim before its premiere and general release in April 2019.
The culture and history of Carlos’ homeland have been important influences throughout his career and continues to be so following the establishment of his own dance company, Acosta Danza, in 2016. The company tours the world with its vibrant combination of classical and contemporary, fused with Cuban elements of dance. In 2017, Carlos opened his first Dance Academy through the Carlos Acosta International Dance Foundation and in 2023 opened The Acosta Dance Centre in Woolwich. He was also recognized in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List and received a CBE in 2014, later also receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award from The Royal Academy of Dance in 2018 and the Critics’ Circle’s Annual Award for Outstanding Services to the Arts in 2019. In January 2020, Carlos became Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet.
NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is choreographed by Carlos Acosta, video projection, set design and mapping by Nina Dunn, costume design by Angelo Alberto, compositions and arrangements by Pepe Gavilondo Peón, additional music by Yasel Muñoz, lighting design by Andrew Exeter and wig and make-up design by Jin Ho Kang
NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA is produced by Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions.
Website: nutcrackerinhavana.com
Instagram: @nutcrackerinhavana
2025 TOUR SCHEDULE
10 – 11 January Woking New Victoria Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/new-victoria-theatre
13 – 14 January Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 01902 429212
17 – 18 January Milton Keynes Theatre
www.atgtickets.com/milton-keynes-theatre
27 – 28 January Salford Lowry 0161 876 2000
The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall
If you want a traditional Nutcracker performance, then look no further than Royal Albert Hall. It is a classical performance of The Nutcracker, it’s a classic, and the Royal Albert Hall is the best place to watch it.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet puts on this performance, and expect to be dazzled with gorgeous costumes, an amazing orchestral sooundtrack, dazzling projections, and even snow that falls onto the stage and in some parts of the audience, with the characters that we all know and love; Drosselmeyer, Clara, The Rat King, The Sugar Plum Fairy, and The Prince. With music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, it’s a mesmerizing and beautiful performance. And the dancers, all dozens of them (including the small children who dominate the first act), are all wonderful. Kudos also given to the rats that go back and forth on the stage.
For more information regarding performance dates and times, visit:
https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2024/the-nutcracker/