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Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

Opera House

Full of warmth and holiday cheer, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet). Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys.

Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2024

Production Information

  • Genre

    Ballet

  • Price Range

    $50.00 – $228.00

  • Runtime

    117 minutes (1 hr., 57 min.)

  • Live Music By

    èßäAVOpera House Orchestra

  • Presenting Sponsor

    Bank of America

  • Digital Program cover showing a bird's eye view of the Kennedy Center campus View Digital Program 

Sydney Dolan of Philadelphia Ballet with Students of School of Philadelphia Ballet in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®. Choreography by George Balanchine© The George Balanchine Trust.  Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

Program

Full of warmth and holiday cheer, the beloved classic—George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®—returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet. Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys.

Resplendent costumes, opulent sets, and Balanchine’s timeless choreography promise a grand holiday spectacle. Come along as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score guides young Marie on a night of adventure from her bedroom to a dreamworld that sparks childlike wonder in all ages. Last seen at the Kennedy Center over 10 years ago, Philadelphia Ballet marks a memorable return with one of its most treasured productions. Formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, the company’s new identity honors its deep, enduring roots in Philadelphia since 1963 and sets the stage for a bold, innovative future.

Quote

“Beloved and magical”

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Principal Casting

  • Wed., Nov. 27 Evening Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Sydney Dolan

    and Her Cavalier: Sterling Baca

    Dewdrop: Nayara Lopes

  • Fri., Nov. 29 Matinee Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Yuka Iseda

    and Her Cavalier: Ashton Roxander

    Dewdrop: Lucia Erickson

  • Fri., Nov. 29 Evening Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Dayesi Torriente

    and Her Cavalier: Arian Molina Soca

    Dewdrop: Sydney Dolan

  • Sat., Nov. 30 Matinee Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Sydney Dolan

    and Her Cavalier: Sterling Baca

    Dewdrop: Alexandra Heier

  • Sat., Nov. 30 Evening Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Yuka Iseda

    and Her Cavalier: Zecheng Liang

    Dewdrop: Dayesi Torriente

  • Sun., Dec. 1 Matinee Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Oksana Maslova

    and Her Cavalier: Jack Thomas

    Dewdrop: Yuka Iseda

  • Sun., Dec. 1 Evening Performance

    The Sugarplum Fairy: Nayara Lopes

    and Her Cavalier: Austin Eyler

    Dewdrop: Jacqueline Callahan

Note from the Curator

“The dancers of Philadelphia Ballet pour their hearts and souls into these classic pas de deuxs and iconic divertissements they have danced hundreds and hundreds of times, bringing greater warmth and an extra emotional impact, allowing us to experience The Nutcracker with fresh eyes.”

—Jane Raleigh, Kennedy Center director of dance programming

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® | Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2024

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® | Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2024

More from Philadelphia Ballet

Open Rehearsal: Philadelphia Ballet

Wed. Nov. 27, 2024

Sit in as Philadelphia Ballet rehearses George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®(Please note there will be no commentary during this open rehearsal.)

Tickets Not Currently Available

Philadelphia Ballet: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®

Nov. 27 - Dec. 1, 2024

Full of warmth and holiday cheer, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® returns in a whimsical production from Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet). Marvel at the magic of swirling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and enchanted toys.

  • MyTix
  • Student Rush

Tickets Not Currently Available

Sponsors

William J. Caldwell and Michele Toth

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Collection of Holiday Events

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