The National Ballet of Canada

Overview

Experience the wonder of the holidays with James Kudelka’s The Nutcracker, a spectacular family production. The adventure begins at a Christmas Eve party in a 19th-century barn and introduces siblings Marie and Misha to delights beyond their wildest dreams, from magical creatures to savoury treats and the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Set to Tchaikovsky’s famous score and featuring magnificent sets and costumes, The Nutcracker is an unforgettable tribute to the imagination.

The Nutcracker Trailer

The Story

Squabbling siblings Marie and Misha are attending a Christmas party at their country home when their mysterious Uncle Nikolai arrives bearing gifts. These include a beautiful nutcracker doll for Marie, who takes it to the nursery that night. Then the magic begins. The clock strikes twelve, the Christmas tree grows to enormous proportions and Marie and Misha embark on a fabulous journey that teaches them to get along.

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Fast Facts

• Marius Petipa choreographed the original ballet in 1892 and The Nutcracker is now a holiday tradition for families around the world.
   
• Kudelka expands E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King from the adventure of a solitary child to a sister and brother duo.
   
• The opening scene is a winter wonderland, complete with snowballs, hats, cozy scarves and a dramatic red coat for Uncle Nikolai.
   
• The Nutcracker is full of animals, from the tiniest Mice and Lambs to a pair of twirling Bears on rollerblades.
   
• The famous Waltz of the Flowers has the added feature of a fast-moving Bee, who performs some of the ballet’s most dazzling choreography.

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The Creator

James Kudelka served as Resident Choreographer of The National Ballet of Canada following his nine years as Artistic Director. He creates works of incredible musicality and vision for companies internationally, from original full-length ballets to short contemporary works and remounted classics. Kudelka was Resident Choreographer of Coleman Lemieux & Compagnie from 2008 to 2020.

The Score

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s suite for The Nutcracker is one of his three full-length scores for ballet and contains some of the most recognizable music in the classical repertoire. With this score, Tchaikovsky introduced the celesta, the keyboard instrument behind the twinkling theme of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Reviews

“The best Nutcracker on the planet.” – The Globe and Mail

“The Nutcracker is an unforgettable tribute to the imagination” – Ludwig Van Toronto 

“★★★★★/5 A glorious evening of ballet for the entire family” – Toronto Sun

Casting

Casting will be announced on our eNewsletter, Ballet News, and on social media and will be posted here approximately four weeks prior to the opening. Please note, casting is always subject to change.

Credits

Choreography and Libretto:
James Kudelka

Music:
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Set and Costume Design:
Santo Loquasto

Lighting Design:
Jennifer Tipton

World Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, O’Keefe Centre (now Meridian Hall), Toronto, December 21, 1995

The Nutcracker is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra Pitblado, C.M. & Jim Pitblado, C.M., Lawrence and Ann Heisey and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges its collaboration with Canada's National Ballet School in the production of The Nutcracker.

This production is dedicated to Celia Franca and Betty Oliphant.
With respect, admiration and gratitude. – JK