December 1-24, 2023
The Nutcracker
Kansas City Ballet’s 'The Nutcracker' is absolute perfection ... a perfect dose of holiday spirits, brimming with irresistible enchantment and joy."
Ignite your imagination with holiday magic!
Kansas City Ballet’s annual tradition, The Nutcracker continues to awe audiences year after year and is hailed as “positively oozing charm” by The Washington Post.
The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman featuring Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the Sugar Plum Fairy is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with exquisite costumes, grand sets, and captivating choreography. Let your wonder ignite and feel the glimmer once more as your childhood dreams return and inspire you to IMAGINE AGAIN.
Choreography
Devon Carney
Score
Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Music
Kansas City Symphony
Scenery Design
Alain Vaës
Costume Design
Holly Hynes
Lighting Design
Trad A Burns
Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Ignite Your Imagination!
If the images onstage remind you of a beloved children’s book, that’s not surprising. Alain Vaës is a noted author and illustrator, as well as the Scenic Designer for this production. The richness and vibrancy of the hues he’s chosen are hallmarks of what the native Frenchman calls a “classic” Nutcracker.
Alain’s attention to detail is legendary, even the candy canes, muffins, and cheery confections must be rendered precisely. Add in massive set-pieces like a grandfather clock, a Christmas tree that grows to thirty feet tall, and the unicorn-fronted hot air balloon which whisks characters on and off stage, and the show’s “aaahh” factor climbs several more notches.
Don’t miss The Nutcracker in Kansas City.
Sugar Plum Fairy Children's Ball
December 2, 2023
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
An enchanting experience awaits you at Kansas City Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball! A delicious three course luncheon, face painting and a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy are all part of the guest experience at the Children’s Ball. You are sure to feel the magic of the holidays as the Sugar Plum Fairy leads you on an adventure filled with lobby entertainment, activities and a performance by the Kansas City Youth Ballet. Following the event, guests are whisked away to attend the matinee performance of Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Family VIP Experience
Back by popular demand! For $199 per ticket, your family will enjoy Premium Center Mezzanine tickets with access to a private reception suite before the show and at intermission. Enjoy wine, kid’s drinks, and holiday treats. Costumed characters from the show will make a special VIP-only appearance at the intermission! A limited number of tickets are available for each performance.
Click to purchase from these performances:
(Choose seats in the center Mezzanine)
Sun. Dec. 3, 1 pm
Sat. Dec. 9, 2 pm
Sun. Dec. 10, 1 pm
Sat. Dec. 16, 2 pm
Sun. Dec. 17, 1 pm
Fri. Dec. 22, 2 pm
Sat. Dec. 23, 2 pm
The Story Of The Nutcracker
The Story Of The Nutcracker
Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker is a breathtaking ballet production that premiered in 2015. This adaptation of the beloved Christmas story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, features stunning choreography and a memorable score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production includes lavish sets and costumes, as well as a large cast of talented dancers.
Carney’s The Nutcracker has received critical acclaim and has become a favorite holiday tradition for many. With its gorgeous production values and breathtaking performances, it is a must-see for ballet lovers and anyone looking for a festive and enchanting experience.
Take Home a Souvenir Photo
Guests can have their photo taken with one of the characters from The Nutcracker one hour before and immediately after each performance in the Brandmeyer Great Hall at the Kauffman Center. These photos start at $25.00 and benefit Kansas City Ballet School.
Behind the Scenes
Dig deeper into this Kansas City Ballet production with these resources:
- Story of The Nutcracker
- Watch behind-the-scenes videos and interviews on KCPT’s Arts Upload
- Meet The Nutcracker Design Team
- Meet the Dancers
Meet the Dancers
We make it look easy, but it takes dozens of talented people to put together a stunning performance and train the next generation of professional dancers.
Artist Conversations
KCB Dancer Chat: The Nutcracker
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Virtual on Facebook LIVE
KC Ballet Dancer Chats, a FREE community engagement and education series, are designed to provide the broader public an opportunity to engage with and learn from professional dancers from Kansas City Ballet. This dancer chat features three KCB company dancers chatting about their roles in KCB’s production of The Nutcracker and sharing interesting aspects of their life journey and dance experiences. This relaxed, informal conversation will be moderated by a Kansas City community professional. All dancer chats take place on Facebook LIVE. www.facebook.com/kcballet
Frequently Asked Questions
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