The Nutcracker
Overture Center-Overture Hall 201 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Becky McKenzie
Madison Ballet, "The Nutcracker," 2022.
Madison Ballet, "The Nutcracker," 2022.
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. Shows at 7 p.m. on Dec. 15 and 21, 1 and 7 p.m. on Dec. 16-17 and 22-23, 2 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 1 p.m., Dec. 24.
$95-$19.
media release: Madison Ballet, the Overture Center’s Resident Ballet Company, brings to life the holiday season’s iconic tale. With 13 performances, including six matinees, and expanded seating, there are many options available for those who attend Madison Ballet’s The Nutcracker as part of their regular holiday tradition and those who want to experience this magical performance for the first time. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s score is considered by many to be his most memorable work. Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Andrew Sewell, performs this score live for Madison Ballet.
Inspired by Ruth Page’s Nutcracker in Chicago, the current production was choreographed in 2021 by former Artistic Director Sara Stewart Schumann, in collaboration with Thomas Mattingly, and choreographers from the Madison community, Yaqi Wu, Yu-Jhe Sun, and Michelle Ramos.
Under the leadership of Madison Ballet’s Acting Executive Director and Artistic Director, Ja’ Malik, professional company dancers and apprentices are joined by more than seventy-five community members, many of whom are students and trainees from the School of Madison Ballet.
“Our performance of The Nutcracker is a truly amazing example of how ballet can bring together the whole community,” according to Ja’ Malik. “Using Tchaikovsky’s score which was commissioned by a Russian Prince and premiered in 1892, we are able to create an all inclusive production that is shared among our entire community.”
Committed to youth arts education, Madison Ballet is presenting “Behind The Curtain”, a special performance with discounted tickets for school groups on Friday, December 15th. “Behind The Curtain” is supported by Dane County Arts with additional funds from the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, the Evjue Foundation, Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times, the W. Jerome Frautschi Foundation, and the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. Madison Ballet is also presenting its first special weekday matinee performance, “Ballet Lunch Break,” on Wednesday, December 20th for local companies, employees, and their families.
Audiences of all ages can experience the joy and magic of ballet this holiday season with The Nutcracker! For more information about Madison Ballet and performances, 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 $19 to $95. Groups receive 10% off orders of 10 tickets or more. Groups receive 20% off orders of 10 tickets or more for the “Ballet Lunch Break” performance on Wednesday, December 20th. Student rush tickets for $10 or $20 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.