‘The Nutcracker’
Jalisco’s talented state-supported ballet company, the Ballet de Jalisco, is accompanied by the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra (first four dates only; recorded music thereafter) in its version of the seasonal classic, “The Nutcracker.” The performance sees 100 dancers on stage, not only including members of the professional troupe but also talented students from local ballet academies.
In addition, 59 children will also make an appearance.
Teatro Degollado, Friday, December 20, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 21, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 22, 12:30 p.m. 100-400 pesos.
‘The Polar Express’
Screening of the Oscar-nominated animated movie “The Polar Express,” accompanied by a live orchestra playing the score. The story involves a young boy on Christmas Eve who boards a magical train headed to the North Pole.
Teatro Diana, Friday, December 20, 6 p.m.
‘La La Land’
Screening of the Oscar-winning movie combined with a live show.
Teatro Galerias, Friday, January 10, 8 p.m. 250-280 pesos.
Live from the Met
2020 Met simulcasts kick off with Alban Berg’s “Wozzeck.” After wowing audiences with his astounding production of Lulu in 2015, South African artist William Kentridge now focuses his extraordinary visual imagination on Berg’s other operatic masterpiece. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is on the podium for this important event, with baritone Peter Mattei as the disturbed title character. Soprano Elza van den Heever is Wozzeck’s unfaithful mate, alongside a commanding cast that also includes tenor Christopher Ventris, bass-baritone Christian Van Horn, and tenor Gerhard Siegel.
Teatro Diana, Saturday, January 11, 11:55 a.m. 120-290 pesos.
Concert for kids
“Erase una vez …” (One upon a time …) is a didactic concert to introduce children to music through literature.
Teatro Degollado, Sunday, January 19, 12:30 p.m. 90-250 pesos.
EMPO Sinfónico
Adventurous music fans might be curious to see how merging two completely distinct musical genres – classic electronic songs played by a symphony orchestra – works in practice. The EMPO Sinfónico is made up of elite Mexican musicians and has earned critical acclaim after performances in Mexico City. Hear music from Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, Safri Duo, Gigi D’agostino, Faithless, DJ Tiestö, Uniderworld, Armin Van Buuren, Eiffel 65, Avicii, Erik Prydz, Swedish House Mafia and Robert Miles, among others.
Teatro Diana, Friday, January 31, 9 p.m. 380-1,150 pesos.
Live from the Met
James Robinson’s stylish production of “Porgy and Bess” transports audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront, vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants. “If you’re going to stage Gershwin’s opera, this is how,” raved the Guardian when the new production premiered in London in 2018. David Robertson conducts a dynamic cast, featuring the sympathetic duo of Eric Owens and Angel Blue in the title roles, plus an all-star ensemble.
Teatro Diana, Saturday, February 1, 11:55 a.m. 120-290 pesos.
Lord of the Dance
Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games is a spectacular new staging of the much-loved traditional master piece. The show stars James Keegan, Morgan Comer, Mathew Smith, Cathal Keaney, Fergal Keaney and Andras Kren as the “Lords of the Dance” and is choreographed and directed by Michael Flatley. With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography. With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.
Auditorio Telmex, Saturday, February 15, 5 and 8:30 p.m. 390-1,650 pesos.
Melendi
Concert by 40-year-old Spanish pop singer Melendi, who has sold more than 3.5 million discs during his career.
Auditorio Telmex, Friday, February 21, 9 p.m. 300-1,500 pesos.
Ice rinks open
Guadalajara opened its seasonal ice rink in the historic center last weekend. The downtown rink is located on the new Paseo Alcalde pedestrian walkway, at the intersection of Manuel Acuña and Juan Álvarez. Measuring 40 by 18 meters, the rink can handle up to 150 skaters at a time. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sessions are limited to 45 minutes. The rink will be open for a month and there is no charge to skate. Ice skates are provided. A smaller ice rink has also been installed in the Plaza de las Americas, facing the Basilica in Zapopan centro.