“Central Florida has a cornucopia of competing Nutcrackers, all aiming to elbow their way into our holiday-addled consciousness. Armies of young dancers are set to take the stage for this annual ritual of holiday zest and good cheer, while even greater legions of viewers prepare to watch them. The challenge, as ballet directors face an ever-growing roster of Nutcracker productions each year, is to make theirs the show audiences will flock to see. It’s enough to turn directors into stage-apron hucksters.”