Cincinnati Ballet Debuts The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center

Cincinnati Ballet marks its full company debut at the Kennedy Center with Victoria Morgan's charming production of The Nutcracker, November 23-27 for seven performances in the Opera House. A cherished holiday tradition that has become an annual Cincinnati-area favorite, this production features elaborate scenic design by John Ezell, whimsical stage effects with lighting by Trad A Burns, vibrant costumes by Carrie Robbins, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and entrancing choreography by Artistic Director and CEO Victoria Morgan. Morgan, who is celebrating her 20th season with the company, is also one of very few female Artistic Directors in the ballet world. Following tradition, dozens of local children from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will join the company on stage, while the Arlington Children's Chorus lend their voices to the dazzling snow scene. The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra will accompany this production, led by conductor and Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone.

Highlighted by Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker tells the beloved holiday story through the eyes of Clara, a wide-eyed young girl, as she embarks on a wondrous journey filled with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, a journey to the Land of Sweets, elegant waltzes, unique divertissements, and the delicate Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Cincinnati Ballet's version of the production was premiered in 2011, with Morgan's fresh and unique contemporary twists on the longstanding traditions. Distinctive signatures of Morgan's production include appearances of new, playful characters such as Clara's imaginary companion, a pet poodle named Minnie, dancing cupcakes, tumbling snowballs, an ensemble of poodles performing the Dance of the Mirlitons (or "Mirlipoos"), and more.

Founded in 1963, Cincinnati Ballet is a cornerstone professional ballet company of the Midwest United States, presenting a wide array of classical, full-length ballets, and bold and adventurous contemporary ballet programs, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan since 1997, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force, regularly commissioning world premiere works; performing classic works by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine, including an artistic partnership with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet in 2007; working with international choreographers including Ma Cong, Edwaard Liang, Jessica Lang, Trey McIntyre, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Justin Peck, Adam Hougland, Yuri Possokhov,Septime Webre, and others; and exploring unique collaborations with music artists including Grammy Award-winning guitarist Peter Frampton and the Ohio-based band Over the Rhine. Cincinnati Ballet also encompasses extensive education and outreach programs that reach tens of thousands of children and adults every year, and the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy, which provides dance education from entry level creative movement classes to professional level ballet training.

Funding Credits:

Support for Ballet at the Kennedy Center is generously provided by

Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $59. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Performance Schedule

Cincinnati Ballet in The Nutcracker

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 25, 2016 at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.