Review: The Duke Ellington Nutcracker by ATX Artists for Social Impact

by David Glen Robinson
Published on December 24, 2025

Two new companies, a refurbished venue, Ellington's jazz version of The Nutcracker -- with lots of innovation!

New things bring the excitement. Capital Contemporary Ballet and ATX Jazz Orchestra, both new, know this and have brought an innovative rendition of The Duke Ellington Nutcracker to Austin. The show gave us Ellington's jazz performed live and contemporary ballet performed skillfully and with considerable humor. The combination is a natural because the revered work was originally a suite of music for ballet composed by Tchaikovsky. Ever the musical innovators, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn …

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