Audiences will experience new costumes and choreography that celebrate diversity,
Dec. 19-29 at Music Hall
CINCINNATI, OH (November 20, 2024) – Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family returns to Music Hall. The Company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. 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 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
WHO: Cincinnati Ballet Choreography: Victoria Morgan Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
WHAT: The Nutcracker
WHEN:
- Thursday, December 19 – 7:30 pm
- Friday, December 20 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 21 – 2:00 pm
- Saturday, December 21 – 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 22 – 1:00 pm
- Sunday, December 22 – 6:30 pm
- Monday, December 23 – 2:00 pm
- Monday, December 23 – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday, December 24 – 1:00 pm
- Thursday, December 26 – 2:00 pm
- Thursday, December 26– 7:30 pm
- Friday, December 27 – 2:00 pm
- Friday, December 27 – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 28 –2:00 pm
- Saturday, December 28 –7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 29 –1:00 pm
WHERE: Music Hall 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Cincinnati Ballet 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Margaret and Michael Valentine, Julie and John Richardson | SugarCreek, ArtsWave, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation
About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.
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