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Peanutcracker, A Local’s Review

Kacey Queen
Christmas
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Each year the Sierra Nevada Ballet presents the Peanutcracker.  My kids and I went on a field trip with our homeschool group and I am sharing our experience so you as parents can know what to expect!

Peanutcracker

The Peanutcracker is a condensed story of the Nutcracker.  The original Nutcracker is 3 hours long so the Peanutcracker allows kids of all ages to enjoy the show in a much shorter timeframe.  The Peanutcracker is 45 minutes and is narrated.

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Location and Dates

For the 2023 season, the Peanutcracker performs both in Carson City and Reno.

The Carson City Community Center

December 2nd 2:00pm

 Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts:

  • December 4th – school performances
  • December 3rd  2:00pm and 5:00pm

Cost

If purchasing a ticket for the show, tickets range from $9-$18 per person.  Ages 2 and up require a ticket.

You can still purchase tickets for the Pioneer Center of Performing Arts here.

Tips

Parking

Parking can be hard at the Pioneer Center because there is no parking for it.  Arrive early to find parking. Some parking options include:

  • Washoe County Court House: The entrance is located on Court Street between Virginia and Sierra Street. Parking is free and only available on evenings and weekends.
  • Club Cal-Neva: The parking garage on 101 N. Center Street is free with casino validation and their Stadium parking garage on 100 N. Center Street is free.
  • Regus Building: Located at 200 S. Virginia Street. Parking is free and only available on evenings and weekends.

Attire

The Pioneer Center does not have a dress code.  It is fun to dress up considering, but is not required! We dressed up and made it a fun family affair.

Restroom

We definitely recommend a visit to the restroom before the show begins. Since the show is only 45 minutes long there is no intermission.

Theatre Etiquette

Explain theatre etiquette to children. Of course, this is a family-friendly show but talking about what is expected at the theatre is always a good idea.

Book/Movie

Before heading the show it is a fun idea to get kids familiar with the Nutcracker.  You can read the book or watch the movie ahead of time!

Stroller

While you can bring a stroller it can get crowded and I personally believe it would be easier to carry or babywear instead.

Our Experience

Before attending the Peanutcracker we read the book!  I am so happy we did this ahead of time because I think it really helped my kids with the storyline.  My kids really enjoyed the show and I do think it was the perfect length.  It was a beautiful performance with some amazing dancers.

If you have not been, we definitely recommend going.  At one point during the show, my 4-year-old says “That was so beautiful!”

If your kids are older and did great and loved the Peanutcracker, they likely would love the Nutcracker.

A Night At The Theatre

Introducing kids to the Peanutcracker is a great way to introduce them to the theatre!  We are so lucky to have the Pioneer Center in Reno which brings some amazing shows for us to enjoy.

Kacey Queen Headshot
Kacey Queen
Co-Founder

Kacey Queen is a co-founder of Nevada Moms

Kacey received her bachelor's in Psychology while cheering for the University of Oregon. They moved to Reno in 2014 and have loved it ever since. She is a dedicated homeschooling mother to her three children.

She serves on the hospital board for Northern Nevada Health Systems and is passionate about her community.

Kacey loves exploring with her family and finding family-friendly events and activities! A few of her favorite things include family adventures, traveling, working out, coffee, and dessert!