The Nutcracker: 30 Years of Magic

When James Kudelka reimagined The Nutcracker for his landmark staging with The National Ballet of Canada, he paired the drama of a great story ballet with the visual brilliance of a Broadway show. Thirty years later, his beloved Nutcracker still ranks among the world’s best. Since its 1995 debut, it has captivated more than 1.3 million people and introduced thousands to the art of ballet.

Kudelka shifted Marius Petipa’s 1892 ballet from Germany to Russia and from one child protagonist to two, following siblings Marie and Misha from their family holiday party to the gilded palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Guided by the Nutcracker, their journey is filled with adventure and delight. But in true Kudelka fashion, a deeper narrative runs beneath – a coming-of-age story in which Marie and Misha move past their childish arguments to form a friendship that marks a first step toward adulthood.

The story unfolds in an enchanting world, with sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto and lighting by Jennifer Tipton. Loquasto drew on a range of sources, including Russian depictions of rural celebrations, 19th-century children’s books and Byzantine architecture. Kudelka’s childhood farm in Newmarket, Ontario may have inspired the wintery party scene, set inside a decorated barn. Memorable set pieces include the growing Christmas tree, remote-controlled ice boat and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s 25-foot Fabergé egg, one of the company’s most breathtaking creations.

In 1995, more than 100 artisans created over 200 costumes for The Nutcracker, from furry Bears to swirling coats, shimmering Unicorns and multiples of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s pink ombre tutu, which were remade in 2024. The restoration process will expand in 2026, extending care to the full production.

Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker Suite is central to the ballet’s festive atmosphere. Composed for a large orchestra, the score is filled with distinctive touches, from children’s toys for the holiday party to a youth chorus for the snow scene. It also features one of the earliest uses of the celesta, a keyboard instrument Tchaikovsky discovered in Paris and used to create the Sugar Plum Fairy’s signature twinkling sound.

One of the best elements of Kudelka’s production is its spirit of community, as The Nutcracker unites artists, children, families and friends like no other work in the repertoire. 98 ballet students appear in each show, along with pairs of Canadian celebrities who perform the walk-on roles of Cannon Dolls. Since 1986, the company has also presented a free performance of The Nutcracker through its Share the Magic programme, partnering with nearly 60 community organizations to welcome children and families facing difficult circumstances to experience this joyful production.

As The Nutcracker celebrates 30 years of magic, we extend heartfelt thanks to all who continue to make this special ballet part of their holiday season.

The Nutcracker is Onstage December 5 – 31

Top Photo: Hope Muir. Photo by Ted Belton.