Thursday, December 14 at 11 a.m.
Friday, December 15 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 at *1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 at *1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 22 at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 23 at *1 p.m. & 7 p.m.
*Designates meet-and-greet photo opportunity following the performance — free to attend in the lobby.
The holiday favorite The Nutcracker returns to Connor Palace at Playhouse Square! Now with 11 performances over two weekends, Cleveland Ballet promises to enchant and inspire all audiences with this magical production.
A production known to audiences of all ages, Cleveland Ballet's The Nutcracker is distinctly Cleveland's and is one not to be missed. The ballet in two acts is based on the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman with music composed by the renowned Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The fascination of Tchaikovsky's score and the suitability of the theme for Christmas entertainment has inspired many choreographers including Cleveland Ballet's own Artistic Director Gladisa Guadalupe who has created a version with a twist!
TICKETS
Single tickets may be purchased through Playhouse Square's official site or by contacting Cleveland Ballet Ticketing at 216.320.9000 x 107 or tickets@clevelandballet.org
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Cleveland Ballet offers full season and flex season subscriptions! For more information on both and how to purchase, visit below.
CREDITS
CHOREOGRAPHY
Gladisa Guadalupe
MUSIC
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
STORY
E.T.A. Hoffman
SET DESIGN
Jeff McLaughlin
LIGHTING DESIGN
Dennis Dugan
COSTUME
Cleveland Ballet Costume Shop
SYNOPSIS
On a snowy and very cold winter evening, a skillful toy maker and his apprentice are putting together the finishing touches on the gifts they will bring to the annual holiday party of the Grimaldi family. The unique, mystical and rare presents will bring illusion, fantasy and imagination to children and adults.
On Christmas Eve, the Grimaldi family's living room is alive with activity as everyone prepares for the festivities. The nanny, Antonia, keeps a watchful eye over the children. Caroline and Albert, as they finish decorating the tree. Once the decorations are put in place, everyone gathers in the parlor to greet their guests. Startled by a noise, Caroline looks toward the fireplace and sees a mouse running through the parlor. Quickly, she runs to join the others in welcoming their guests.
As the evening progresses, Caroline and Albert's godfather, Drosselmeyer, suddenly appears. A skillful toymaker, Drosselmeyer has brought hand-made gifts for everyone there. One gift in particular made especially for the Grimaldi home is a Nutcracker doll dressed as an attractive soldier. Drosselmeyer's apprentice has grown into a very handsome young man, gaining the attention of all of the young girls, especially Caroline.
As the evening grows late, guests begin leaving and the Grimaldi family retires during a winter's snowy night. Curious Caroline returns to the parlor to get the beautiful Nutcracker doll and her lovely dress. Tired, she falls asleep on the couch and slips into a nightmare: as the family's Christmas tree grows, the parlor fills with mice led by a Mouse King, while toy soldiers spring to life, with Caroline's beloved Nutcracker doll as their leader. Caroline quickly realizes that the Nutcracker is in danger and decides to take charge, injuring the Mouse King.
Caroline faints, and her dream takes a new direction. She meets the wooden doll that is now a Prince. They travel to the Land of Snow, where they are welcomed by dancing snowflakes. Floating angels lead the way as Caroline and the Prince embark on a journey to magical lands.
SEATING CHARTS
Please note that these charts are for informational purposes only. These do not reflect seat availability in Connor Palace, please visit Playhouse Square's website for the most up to date seating availability.