December 6-24, 2024
The Nutcracker
Kansas City Ballet’s 'The Nutcracker' is absolute perfection ... a perfect dose of holiday spirits, brimming with irresistible enchantment and joy."
Ignite your imagination with holiday magic!
Each year, the Kansas City Ballet presents its cherished holiday tradition: The Nutcracker. This timeless production consistently leaves audiences in awe, earning praise such as “positively oozing charm” from The Washington Post. The enduring story, written by E.T.A. Hoffman during the Victorian era, unfolds before your eyes, featuring beloved characters like Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.
Immerse yourself in a magical theatrical experience, complete with opulent costumes, magnificent sets, and mesmerizing choreography. Let your sense of wonder reignite, and allow the glimmer of your childhood dreams to return, inspiring you to EMBRACE IMAGINATION once more.
Choreography
Devon Carney
Score
Peter I. Tchaikovsky
Music
Kansas City Symphony
Scenery Design
Alain Vaës
Costume Design
Holly Hynes
Lighting Design
Trad A Burns
Ignite Your Imagination!
If the images onstage remind you of a beloved children’s book, that’s not surprising. Alain Vaës is a noted author and illustrator, as well as the Scenic Designer for this production. The richness and vibrancy of the hues he’s chosen are hallmarks of what the native Frenchman calls a “classic” Nutcracker.
Alain’s attention to detail is legendary, even the candy canes, muffins, and cheery confections must be rendered precisely. Add in massive set-pieces like a grandfather clock, a Christmas tree that grows to thirty feet tall, and the unicorn-fronted hot air balloon which whisks characters on and off stage, and the show’s “aaahh” factor climbs several more notches.
Don’t miss The Nutcracker in Kansas City.
Family VIP Experience
Back by popular demand! For $199 per ticket, your family will enjoy Premium Center Mezzanine tickets with access to a private reception suite before the show and at intermission. Enjoy wine, kid’s drinks, and holiday treats. Costumed characters from the show will make a special VIP-only appearance at the intermission! A limited number of tickets are available for each performance.
Click to purchase from these performances:
(Choose seats in the center Mezzanine)
Sun. Dec. 8, 1 pm
Sat. Dec. 14, 2 pm
Sun. Dec. 15, 1 pm
Fri. Dec 20, 2 pm
Sat. Dec. 21, 2 pm
Sun. Dec. 22, 1 pm
Mon. Dec. 23, 1 pm
The Story Of The Nutcracker
The Story Of The Nutcracker
Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker is a breathtaking ballet production that premiered in 2015. This adaptation of the beloved Christmas story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, features stunning choreography and a memorable score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production includes lavish sets and costumes, as well as a large cast of talented dancers.
Carney’s The Nutcracker has received critical acclaim and has become a favorite holiday tradition for many. With its gorgeous production values and breathtaking performances, it is a must-see for ballet lovers and anyone looking for a festive and enchanting experience.
Take Home a Souvenir Photo
Make holiday memories with a professional photo taken with one of the characters from The Nutcracker one hour before and immediately after each performance in the Brandmeyer Great Hall at the Kauffman Center. These photos start at $25.00 and benefit Kansas City Ballet School.
Behind the Scenes
Dig deeper into this Kansas City Ballet production with these resources:
Meet the Dancers
We make it look easy, but it takes dozens of talented people to put together a stunning performance and train the next generation of professional dancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gallery
