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Why see Houston Ballet - The Nutcracker?

Your new Nutcracker returns!

A true holiday ballet for the entire family, The Nutcracker is the perfect way to introduce young children to the power and beauty of classical dance. And now you can experience the story in a whole new way, with this new holiday season production including choreography by incumbent artistic director, Australian-born Stanton Welch, and featuring new staging and costumes!

Follow Clara on her journey from the family party to the Land of the Sweets. You'll see a Christmas tree that grows to magnificent heights, pirouetting dolls, flying cooks, and lots of beautiful snow. With music by Piotr Tchaikovsky and stunning sets by Desmond Heeley, Welch's production has something to delight every member of your family. It just wouldn't be the holidays without The Nutcracker.

What is The Nutcracker about?

One snowy Christmas Eve, at a great townhouse where a party is in full swing, local magician Herr Drosselmeyer with gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker for Clara, the oldest daughter. When the doll is maliciously broken by her jealous younger brother Fritz, Clara and Drosselmeyer fix him with a handkerchief sling.

When the clock strikes midnight after the party has finished, Clara's Christmas adventure begins when her Nutcracker comes to life as a handsome prince, leading our heroine Clara into a victorious battle between armed giant mice and his troop of tin soldiers, and onto a sleigh ride into the enchanted Land of Sweets where a festival awaits them, courtesy of the benevolent Sugar Plum Fairy and her court of dancing candies.

Key Information

Audience

Suitable for ages two and up (provided they can sit through a two-hour performance without disturbing other patrons). Recommended for aspiring dancers and young adventurers.

Run Time

One hour and 55 minutes

Dates

Nov 29 - Dec 29

Creative

Music: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Stanton Welch
Scenic and Costume Designs: Tim Goodchild

Reviews

Customer reviews

5 reviews, average rating: (2.4 Stars)

Mary Curbello

Nutcracker 2023 Houston Ballet

Wow, what a stunning production. I’ve seen the Nutcracker performed by other ballets and this was absolutely over the top. Tremendous performances and the most beautiful sets. The costumes were a delight to behold.I truly enjoyed myself and want to thank the performers for the Saturday December 23rd 7:30 performance for a wonderful Christmas gift. ... Read more

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