Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family returns to Music Hall, celebrating the 50th anniversary! No holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life. Joined by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters. With Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1974 under Artistic Director David McLain and for the first time in many years, will feature shows after Christmas. The production remains in high demand, with few seats remaining for several shows. This grand production features elaborate sets and costumes and live musical accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with choreography from Victoria Morgan.
This year’s production also features changes to reflect the diversity of our community thanks to a gift from Bank of America. Cincinnati Ballet created new heads for the Nutcracker character that represent diverse skin tones. Victoria Morgan has also reimagined choreography for the divertissement Coffee (the dance traditionally known as Arabian) to be more mindful of cultural sensitivities. In addition, the wigs worn by dancers now will include wigs that represent different hair types. This project was also funded in part by Cincinnati Parks Foundation, which also partnered by the Ballet on a special Nutcracker-themed nature hike in Smale Riverfront Park, November 30 through December 31.
This holiday season Cincinnati Ballet is also thrilled to be collaborating with Washington Park, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), DANCEFIX and the Art Academy of Cincinnati to bring a Nutcracker-inspired Winter Wonderland installation to Washington Park this December. The installation presented by Cincinnati Ballet will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand. The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31, with a special event at the opening of the story walk on December 1 with ballet dancers, Santa Claus, a performance by DANCEFIX, family-friendly activities and more.
Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker premiered in 2011 with new sets by scenic designer John Ezell, bright and beautiful costumes by Carrie Robbins, lighting by Trad A Burns and athletic, engaging choreography by Victoria Morgan. Morgan’s rendition of the classical ballet is filled with unique, contemporary twists on longstanding traditions: from the bright, whimsical sets, stage effects and acrobatics to the appearance of new, playful characters such as Clara’s companion, a pet poodle named Minnie, dancing Cupcakes, tumbling Snowballs, an ensemble of poodles performing the Dance of the Mirlitons (or “Lollipups”). Morgan’s whimsical choreographic take on the classic story is like nothing you have ever seen before.
PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION
Performance Dates Vary, from December 19 – December 29 at Music Hall, 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. For tickets, visit cballet.org or call (513) 621-5282.
