The Nutcracker presented by The Joffrey Ballet at Auditorium Theatre

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Though there were bursts of sparkling dancing, there also was some unusually stiff and shaky work, lacking the individuality of style that has for so long been a Joffrey trademark, and the ensemble as a whole seemed a bit ragged. The company looked either exhausted (it had just finished a "Nutcracker" stint in St. Louis), or as if it were suffering from the lack of cohesion that comes after many veteran dancers depart (as happened recently) and before a new crop is fully fused into the fabric of the company."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...Just as the holidays would not be complete without old Ebenezer's ghostly visitations, neither would it feel like Christmas without dancing snowflakes, sweets and toys. Ashley Wheater danced the Snow King and the Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Joffrey Ballet's original 1987 production of "The Nutcracker". Today he is the company's Artistic Director and a torchbearer in keeping this wonderful holiday tradition alive. I believe it would be a misnomer to call The Joffrey's the first American version of the beloved Tchaikovsky ballet. Every major town in nearly every community seems to have their own version."