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‘Nutcracker’ at the Schuster: How to go
This will be the fourth straight year for my daughter and me to glam up a bit and sashay down to the Schuster Center for the Dayton Ballet’s annual “Nutcracker” production.
I know, I know: The show ends the same way each year, but the outing hasn’t lost its magic for us. Anyway, I’m a sucker for holiday traditions.
Here are some tips on how to make the night memorable:
— I suggest waiting till your child is 4 or older for everyone’s maximum enjoyment. Dayton Ballet’s Know Before You Go Web page suggests asking your ticket agent about the best seating for little ones. The helpful agent I dealt with this year made an excellent recommendation.
— If you’re like me, your tickets are waiting at the will-call window, because you’ve waited for the special Culture Works BOGO ticket deal. It’s a righteous bargain at $70 for two, but since they typically advertise the discount just a few days before the show’s run, you have to sweat it out and hope they offer tickets to a show you can actually attend on such short notice during the busiest time of year.
— This is a great opportunity to don that sparkly holiday garb. Most people get spiffed up for this special event.
— You may want to bring a pair of opera glasses or small binoculars for a better view. We always know a few of the child dancers from Miss Camille’s class, so we want to make sure we can see their lovely little faces clearly.
— Arrive with a full stomach. Consider catching dinner or a snack before the show, especially if you have kids in tow, to avoid the midshow crankies. Among the options: Uno’s Chicago Grill is right across Main Street from the Schuster.
— Bring cash for “event parking.” We always use the parking garage at Ludlow and Second, which is directly across Ludlow from the venue. The garage is lighted and feels safe at night, and you’ll be walking with a herd of fellow show-goers. Last year, the price was $8.
— The theater opens an hour before the show, and you’ll want to be there at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to drink in the holiday the atmosphere. The mechanical window displays from the Rike’s department store of days gone by are mesmerizing. Also, there are plenty of lovely Nutcracker-themed gifts to ogle in the Wintergarden. You can do a bit of souvenir shopping, or better yet, have your child bring along some of his or her own spending money.
— Another possibility is The Tike’s Shop, a kids-only store for kid-size budgets, located in the Schuster’s Berry Reception Room. We’ve never been, but it looks like it would be fun to peruse. Call 409-5480 for hours.
— Warn the kiddies beforehand that there’s no dialogue: During his first show, my son turned to me at intermission and asked, “When will they start talking?”
— And speaking of intermission, if you have to use the restroom, get in line quickly. After the necessities are out of the way, get a sweet treat for the kids (and maybe a glass of wine for Mommy) at one of the concession stands. The chocolate and caramel-covered popcorn is yummy! A roll of Lifesavers can also keep little fingers busy. Water bottles are permitted in the theater.
— Have questions for the dancers? At some performances, there’s a lecture 45 minutes before curtain time. Or just stay in your seat after the show for Encore!, a question-and-answer session following the show. One year, my daughter asked a male dancer if it’s hard to lift and hold the ballerinas. Answer: It takes lots of muscle and lots of practice.
Enjoy the show!
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