The Joffrey Ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Photo by Cheryl Mann .
The Joffrey Ballet has commissioned a new interpretation of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” for 2016, so bid farewell to the Chicago staple you’ve known for 28 years this season.
In 1987, Robert Joffrey choreographed “The Nutcracker” adding his own spin like having it take place in America instead of Europe. Since then the company has done the same production with the only changes being the dancers, the extravagant costumes, and the breathtaking set. For 28 years it has stood the test of time as it tells the story of Clara who stops the battle between the mice and toy soldiers by distracting the Mouse King long enough for the Nutcracker to defeat him. The Snow King and Queen then take Clara to the Kingdom of Sweets as a reward for her bravery where we see the Sugar Plum Fairy and a variety of dancing treats.
The beautiful choreography is accentuated by the Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey music director Scott Speck, performing the classic Tchaikovsky score at every performance.
Don’t worry though. There will be a new “Nutcracker” performance in 2016 from Christopher Wheeldon, who won a 2015 Tony Award for Best Choreography for Broadway’s “An American in Paris.”
Catch “The Nutcracker” Dec. 4 – 27 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Tickets range from $32 – $136. For more information visit joffrey.org/nutcracker.
