The Nutcracker Design Team assembled for the 2015 World Premiere of the reimagined production of Kansas City’s holiday tradition began in early 2014. There were four studios that built sets and 27 costume studios from all over the United States, including Kansas City. The sheer artistry, the level of detail on every design element, was made to awe audiences for years to come.
“In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined that I could assemble some of the greatest design talents the ballet world has to offer to create this amazing new show. Each is truly known for being one of, if not THE, best in the industry. The joy of seeing the holidays through a child’s eye will permeate throughout. I promise audiences a new and joyous holiday classic.”
-Choreographer Devon Carney, 2015
Alain Vaës (sets)
Since moving to the United States from his native France, Alain Vaës has worked as an artist, set designer and as an author and illustrator of children’s books. He has designed sets and costumes for 25 productions including Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker mainly for New York City Ballet but also for Boston Ballet, National Ballet of Flanders, and the Royal Danish Theater, to name a few.
Holly Hynes (costumeS)
For more than twenty years the director of costumes for New York City Ballet, Holly Hynes has earned a reputation as one of the leading costume designers for ballet in the world. She has created designs for the likes of Paris Opera Ballet, La Scala Theatre Ballet, National Ballet of Canada and more. Ms. Hynes’ work was previously seen in Kansas City with Tom Sawyer, a Ballet in Three Acts which had its world premiere at the Ballet’s inaugural season at the opening of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Trad A Burns (lighting)
Trad A Burns has designed lighting for more than 400 productions in ballet companies around the world including New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater as well as designing for dramatic theatre, musicals and for several world-renowned theme parks.
