The Joffrey Ballet's critically acclaimed reimagined classic, The Nutcracker by two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, returns to the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, in 25 performances, December 6 – 28, 2024. Set in Chicago's World's Fair in 1893, Wheeldon's The Nutcracker highlights the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the wonder of the season.
New this year, The Joffrey Ballet offers a Discount Family Series package that provides up to 25% savings when families purchase tickets to The Nutcracker and Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, which takes place June 5-22, 2025. A holiday gift that extends beyond the season, the two-program subscription begins at $72. Tickets are available now at joffrey.org.
"A Chicago story of family and adventure, The Nutcracker is often the entry point for many people to witness the spectacle of the Joffrey," Greg Cameron, President and CEO, said. "Closing our 69th season, we will offer another invitation into a world where dreams come to life with Christopher Wheeldon's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. We hope the new Discount Family Series is 'the gift that keeps giving' for many families in Chicago this year. Joffrey magic doesn't end with the holidays—it's here all season long."
"A cherished tradition, The Nutcracker brings us together to explore the true meaning of the holiday season," said The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. "For some, it's a nostalgic journey; for others, a new, enchanting adventure. Each performance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, wonder, and belonging. Set against the backdrop of Chicago, The Nutcracker seamlessly blends our history with our dreams—a gift we are honored to share with our community each year."
Wheeldon's American tale of an immigrant family during the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 opens as young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the Fair's iconic Statue of the Republic, host a festive Christmas Eve celebration. After a surprise visit from the creator of the Fair, the mysterious Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a whirlwind adventure with the Nutcracker Prince through a dreamlike World's Fair.
A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions. The production was adapted in 2021 by Wheeldon to fit the larger Lyric Opera House stage.
The Nutcracker features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
With gratitude to The Nutcracker Presenting Sponsor Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Production Sponsor AARP Illinois.
Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 6–Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The full schedule is as follows: Friday, December 6 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 8 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Thursday, December 12 at 7:00 PM; Friday, December 13 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Thursday, December 19 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Friday, December 20 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Sunday, December 22 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM; Tuesday, December 24 at 2:00 PM; Thursday December 26 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; Friday, December 27 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 PM.
Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase online at Joffrey.org/Nutcracker, by telephone at 312.386.8905 or at Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr.
About The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 69 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.
Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, and Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges Season Partners: Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Athletico Physical Therapy, official provider of physical therapy for The Joffrey Ballet.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
