THE NUTCRACKER

Kick off the holiday season with New Haven Ballet when they return to the Shubert Theatre to perform Lisa Kim Sanborn’s full-length production of The Nutcracker, a favorite holiday tradition.

A treat for the whole family starring New York City Ballet’s Sarah Adams and Harrison Coll as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, who are joined by many bright young dancers from New Haven Ballet’s School and guest artists Michael Requena and Alejandro Ulloa, rounding out the talented cast.

The production features larger-than-life sets with a Christmas Tree that grows to colossal heights, a snowstorm, exquisite costumes, a new pas de deux, and the timeless score by Tchaikovsky that will fill the rafters when local singers lend their voices to the Waltz of the Snowflakes. New Haven Ballet’s Nutcracker allows audiences to enjoy New York City Ballet stars at modest ticket prices, the convenience of the Shubert’s location, roomier seats, an upgraded sound system, and a phenomenal show!

The Shubert Theatre is located at 247 College Street in the heart of New Haven’s popular downtown restaurant and shopping district. Tickets start at $29 and may be purchased at Shubert.com or the Shubert Box Office at (203) 562-5666. The Shubert Theatre is ADA-accessible. For accommodation requests, please call Tel. 203-562-5666.

Performances are offered:

Friday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16 at 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16 at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 17 at 1:00 p.m.

The Story

The Stahlbaum family is celebrating the holidays with friends. Herr Drosselmeyer, Clara’s uncle, arrives late with his nephew. He entertains the guests with magic and makes life-sized toy dolls dance. Uncle Drosselmeyer also gifts Clara a Nutcracker, which delights everyone, including her jealous brother Fritz. As the party ends, Clara is saddened to see her Uncle and his nephew leave. She has made good friends with her uncle’s nephew at the party.

After everyone falls asleep, Clara awakens to noises and sneaks into the parlor to investigate. She is surprised that the mice have grown enormously, and Uncle Drosselmeyer is orchestrating them. The mice steal away the family’s gifts. Uncle Drosselmeyer uses his magic to make the house disappear, and then he makes the Nutcracker grow to life-size – and come alive. A battle ensues between the mice, their Mouse King, and the toy soldiers, who have also magically grown and come to life. Thankfully, with help from Clara and the soldiers, the Nutcracker wins the battle. Uncle Drosselmeyer turns the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince who resembles the nephew Clara met at the party. Clara and the handsome Nutcracker Prince journey through the Land of Snow, where snowflakes and the Snow King and Queen are dancing.

Tiny reindeer lead Clara and the Nutcracker Prince into the Land of Sweets with ethereal angels and beautiful fairies. The Sugar Plum Fairy greets them. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince tell the story of their fierce battle and are invited to a celebration where all of the Sweets perform. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier also dance. Finally, it is time to leave. The Sweets present gifts to Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they wish them well on their way.