As I've mentioned a hundred times I have two horse obsessed daughters. This year, as a special treat, we decided to go see the Nutcracker on horseback at the Nobel Horse Theatre in Old Town (1410 N. Orleans). I was a little uncertain about what to expect (what is the Nutcracker on horseback?!) but I have to say it was such a good time for all of us. The theatre is unlike any other I have been to. It is in a historic stable that has been around since the late 1800s. The stable houses the performance horses as well as the horses that provide carriage rides throughout the City. Seating is open so as you walk into the theatre an usher directs you where to sit. The rows are designed like a stadium so that each row is higher than the row in front. The difference in height between each row is even better than at the movies, however. Even a small kid is able to see over an adult sitting in front of them. Although I usually recommend getting anywhere early, there probably isn't a seat in the whole theatre where you would not be able to see the show. The rows are also pretty wide so it's easy to get out if you need to and there was even plenty of room for my youngest daughter to dance for awhile. The "stage" or area where the performance occurs is a dirt floor that barely looks big enough for horses to run around in, certainly not big enough to do the stuff that they do.
The show is, for the most part, the classic Nutcracker story with a few additional elements thrown in. I have to say that the way they integrated the story with the horses was very good and the stuff that the horses and their riders can do is truly amazing. I don't want to give any of the show away because I think one of the best things about it, for us, was that we didn't know what to expect.
We went to a Sunday matinee where the price of tickets is $30/adult and $20/child. For matinees the length of the show is about 60 minutes and evening shows are about 75 minutes. The price for the evening performances is $35/adult and $22/child. The action and story will definitely keep young children's interest for the duration of the show. Especially since they can get up and move around a little bit if they need to.
The theatre and this show is perfect for kids. Making noise isn't an issue, you can get up during the performance without bothering anyone else, and kids are able to have a good view no matter where you sit. In fact, towards the end of the show, when the action starts to get exciting, the audience was yelling and pounding on the tables in front of them (this certainly doesn't happen when the Joffrey performs the Nutcracker). My daughters had so much fun during that part of the show.
You can bring in your own food and drinks and I would suggest doing that if it is convenient for you and you think your kids will want a snack. They sell popcorn, soda, and water but my husband stood in line forever to get some. Maybe part of the reason the concession line was so long was because guy making the popcorn also played the prince in the show. I believe during the evening performances dinner is available. Another tip, wear a sweater because it is chilly inside. You are allowed to bring your camera but it was really dark in the theatre and none of our pictures really turned out. After the show audience members can go down the the performance area to meet the horses. Also, for a fee, children can ride on the horses for a few minutes.
There is a free parking lot at the theatre but it only holds 25 cars and it works on a first come first serve basis. Since it was a Sunday we were able to park for free on Goethe but there is also metered parking and a pay parking lot on Sedgwick. Also, the Sedgwick stop on the Brown Line is just a short walk to the theatre.
Every year the Nutcracker begins at the end of November and runs through the end of December. In December there are shows on most days. Several other shows are performed at the theatre throughout the year as well and tickets can be bought online through the theatre's website www.noblehorsechicago.com.
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