A holiday classic, The Nutcracker is a magical and heartwarming production

November 23, 2022 – OTTAWA, Canada – From December 1-4, NAC Dance is pleased to welcome Les Grands Ballets Canadiens with its famous production The Nutcracker by Fernand Nault.

It’s almost that wonderful time of the year when the young (and not so young!) rediscover this magical ballet inspired by Hoffman’s famous tale. Bringing more than a hundred dancers together, this holiday production has been presented by Les Grands Ballets since 1964. Choreographed by Fernand Nault, the ballet comes alive on the notes of Tchaikovsky’s beloved composition performed by the National Arts Centre Orchestra with conductor Airat Ichmouratov.

The story takes place during a grand Christmas Eve party where young Clara receives the gift of a nutcracker. During the night, the nutcracker turns into a valiant soldier who fights the treacherous Rat King. From there, a fairy tale dream unfolds with the Sugar Plum Fairy, angelic figures, and greedy pastry chefs. With grandiose sets and costumes, adventurous spirits, and magnificent dancers, audiences are filled with joy and wonder. Under the direction of André Laprise, Appointed Children’s Rehearsal Master, more than 40 young dancers from the National Capital Region will share the stage with Les Grands Ballets cast, bringing even more enjoyment to the audience.

The colourful adventures of Clara in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets have enchanted more than 2 million spectators over 5 decades.

“What a joyous moment to welcome back this version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Fernand Nault for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.  It has been over a decade since the stars aligned for this presentation to come to the NAC, and we are delighted to share this production. The number of people who are introduced to the art of dance through The Nutcracker continues to grow, and its magical and virtuosic attributes are a favourite for all ages.” –  says Cathy Levy, Executive Producer, NAC Dance.

 

The Nutcracker in a nutshell:

• 165 characters on stage.
• More than 300 people are directly involved in the production.
• More than 350 costumes.

 

MEDIA PREVIEW

Members of the Press are invited to attend the Dress Rehearsal on December 1st at 1 p.m. in Southam Hall. RSVP is recommended. Please contact julie.gunville@nac-cna.ca.

To learn more about the 2022–2023 NAC Dance season, visit the NAC website.

 

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION 

In-person in Southam Hall

December 1-4 at 7 PM

December 3-4 at 1:30 PM

To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster online or call 1-844-985-2787 (ARTS). Please visit the NAC website to find out what you need to know before accessing the building and facilities. 

 

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Les Grands Ballets are supported by Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, Canada Council for the Arts, and Conseil des arts de Montréal. 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR NAC DANCE SPONSORS

NAC Dance and the NAC Foundation would like to thank the donors and partners who have made the season possible. Thank you to Hotel Partner the Lord Elgin Hotel. The role of Executive Producer, NAC Dance is generously supported by an anonymous donor.

 

ABOUT THE NAC  

The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre in collaboration with Black Theatre Workshop, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe.  

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