This cherished NAC tradition is back by popular demand, and there are very few tickets available! November 28 to December 2, the Alberta Ballet performs its sumptuous production of The Nutcracker, marking the 10^th anniversary of Edmund Stripe’s choreography. The Nutcracker transports us to a dazzling fairytale world with breathtaking dancing, fantastic costumes, extravagant sets and the enchanting music of Tchaikovsky.

“The Nutcracker is a moment of pause for communities to celebrate art, tradition and some very beautiful ballet,” says Gatineau-born Artistic Director of the Alberta Ballet, Jean Grand-Maître. “The sets and costumes, designed by Emmy-award winner Zach Brown, create a purely magical staging. Inspired opulence meets historical authenticity in this turn-of-the-century Russian setting.”

Again this year, the Alberta Ballet has chosen dozens of young dancers from Ottawa-Gatineau to take the stage together with their own brilliant dancers. Selected from hundreds of young candidates who auditioned, these local performers who are currently rehearsing at The School of Dance in Ottawa, will appear as party children, mice, rats, soldiers and palace pages.

Alberta Ballet performs The Nutcracker in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre from Wednesday, November 28 to Saturday, December 1 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2 at 1:30 p.m. All performances feature the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

ABOUT ALBERTA BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

MUSIC: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
CHOREOGRAPHY: Edmund Stripe
SET AND COSTUME DESIGN: Zack Brown
LIGHTING DESIGN: Pierre Lavoie
CONDUCTOR: Peter Dala

DURATION: 2 hours, including one intermission

SUGAR PLUM PARTIES

One hour prior to each performance, the NAC Foyer will be alive with excitement – join us for crafts, dress-up, activities for the kids and more.

SPONSORS

The Nutcracker is generously sponsored by Sun Life Financial and is part of the Share the Spirit program.

ABOUT SHARE THE SPIRIT

Alberta Ballet’s The Nutcracker is part of the NAC’s Share the Spirit program presented by Sun Life Financial – the tenth year for Share the Spirit, an initiative aimed at families who, for economic or health reasons, may not have the opportunity to enjoy live performances at the NAC.

Share the Spirit is made possible through the support of Presenting Sponsor Sun Life Financial, Major Partner The Crabtree Foundation, a Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Ottawa at the Associate Partner level, and Supporting Partners EQ3, The Leacross Foundation and The Honourable John Manley, P.C. O.C. & Mrs. Judith Manley, as well as other donors who have contributed to Share the Spirit through the NAC Foundation Donors’ Circle. Visit nac-cna.ca/share