Madison Ballet

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Becky McKenzie

Madison Ballet, "The Nutcracker," 2022.

Madison Ballet, "The Nutcracker," 2022.

(2023 Isthmus pick) There’s a reason that The Nutcracker is the holiday classic ballet. Its memorable score encompasses both the joy and melancholy of the season. It’s about a weird gift (relatable!) and yummy treats. Based on an offbeat story by the master of the uncanny, E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker remains magical every year. Madison Ballet’s performance was choreographed in 2021 by former artistic director Sara Stewart Schumann and involves some 75 dancers from the Madison area.

7 pm on 12/13, 1 & 7 pm on 12/14 & 12/20-22 and 1 pm, 12/15, Overture Center-Overture Hall. $114-$25.

media release: Madison Ballet, the Resident Ballet Company of the Overture Center, invites audiences to experience the enchantment of The Nutcracker this holiday season. With 10 performances, including five matinees and expanded seating, there are plenty of opportunities for both long-time attendees and newcomers to enjoy this beloved tradition. The Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, will perform Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score live, bringing added depth and brilliance to the production.

Choreographed in 2021 by former Artistic Director Sara Stewart Schumann, Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker is inspired by Ruth Page’s Nutcracker in Chicago. The current production includes new choreography by Artistic and Executive Director Ja’ Malik, Principal of the School of Madison Ballet Richard Walters, and local choreographer Yaqi Wu.

Under the creative vision of Ja’ Malik, Madison Ballet’s professional dancers and students from the School of Madison Ballet will be joined by over seventy-five community members to bring this magical story to life on stage. “Our performance of The Nutcracker is a beautiful example of how ballet unites our community,” says Ja’ Malik. “It’s an inclusive experience we all share and celebrate together.”

As part of its commitment to youth arts education, Madison Ballet will present a special “Behind The Curtain” performance for school groups on Friday, December 13. Supported by grants from US Bank, the Wisconsin Arts Board, the Evjue Foundation (the charitable arm of The Capital Times), the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, The National Endowment for The Arts, and individual donors. This performance will offer students a unique look at the world of Ballet and the Performing Arts.

This season, audiences of all ages can experience the timeless joy and wonderment of live performances with Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit madisonballet.org.

ABOUT THE STORY

The Nutcracker tells the story of young Clara Stahlbaum, who is gifted a nutcracker by the mysterious Drosselmeyer on the night of her family’s Christmas Eve party. As the night unfolds, so does the magic.  Clara is transported to the Land of Sweets by her Nutcracker Prince. There, she discovers exotic characters and places reminiscent of party guests, magnified into colorful figments of her imagination. This sumptuous production concludes with an energetic and dynamic finale that returns Clara back to her bed, where she awakens with the most beautiful memories of her adventure with her faithful Nutcracker by her side. Along with Clara, audiences will be transported to a world of delight and imagination with this holiday classic.

Tickets range from $25 to $114. Groups receive 10% off orders of 10 tickets or more. Student rush tickets for $20 or are available day of show with high school or college ID. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting madisonballet.org, by calling 608-258-4141, or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street.

About Madison Ballet

For 40 years, Madison Ballet has been an integral part of the vibrant Dane County arts community. Full-scale productions of inspiring traditional ballets, innovative contemporary performances, and the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker reach more than 13,000 people each year. The School of Madison Ballet empowers students of all ages and skill levels with the poise, confidence, discipline, and fundamental life skills intrinsic to the study of dance. Outreach programming, presented in partnership with dozens of local school and community groups, enriches thousands of young people’s lives by introducing them to the joy of dance.

Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for ballet and make this beautiful art form accessible to all. We are dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of dancers, artists, and professionals. This is achieved through the dynamic performances of the Madison Ballet Company, the comprehensive education provided by the School of Madison Ballet, and extensive outreach efforts in partnership with community groups.

Madison Ballet is committed to evolving ballet into an inclusive art form that reflects the diversity of our world, ensuring representation both on stage and behind the scenes. We are particularly dedicated to fostering new voices in ballet, especially from marginalized communities, and are committed to creating new works that reflect these diverse perspectives. Through this, we aim to broaden the horizons of ballet and ensure it remains a vibrant and relevant art form for future generations.