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Why Is Seeing 'The Nutcracker' at the Bolshoi Theatre So Difficult?

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Seeing Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" at the Bolshoi Theatre is a New Year's tradition in Moscow — for those lucky enough to get a ticket.

Each year, hundreds stand in line outside the theatre for as much as 12 hours in hopes of buying tickets for the New Year's performance.

Due to overwhelming demand, hopeful ticket-buyers must queue for a numbered wristband indicating their spot in line, and then wait in a second line to buy their tickets.

This year, police said they detained “citizens who illegally pre-registered in the queue” after reports emerged of people selling their places in line.

We asked people why they still try to buy "Nutcracker" tickets despite the dysfunctional system.

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Read more about: Bolshoi

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