This December, The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s dazzling production of The Nutcracker returns to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. By far one of Las Vegas’ favorite holiday traditions, this year’s performance of The Nutcracker by The Nevada Ballet Theatre is sure to fill your holiday season with sparkling wonder and amazement.
According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring luck to the family and protect the home. Most commonly resembling a toy soldier, Christmas nutcracker dolls represent good luck while also frightening away malevolent spirits. In the story of The Nutcracker, the lead female role is played by Clara, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Stahlbaum. Clara is delighted by the wooden Nutcracker doll she receives from her Godfather on Christmas Eve. Yet once night falls, the Nutcracker comes to life, and Clara finds herself on a magical adventure to save the Nutcracker from the evil Mouse King.
In 2012, The Nevada Ballet Theatre presented a new and original production of The Nutcracker at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Choreographed by James Canfield, the new production featured new sets and a full orchestra. Whimsical costumes for The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker were designed by the award-winning costume designer Sandra Woodall and created at the legendary Parsons School of Design in New York.
“The Nutcracker is The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s largest production of the year. Choreographed by James Canfield, The Nutcracker was specifically built for the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center,” said Roy Kaiser, Artistic Director for The Nevada Ballet Theatre.
Las Vegas welcomed Kaiser in 2017. “The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most beautiful theaters I’ve worked in my entire career,” said Kaiser. Refined to keep the production alive and interesting, this season’s production of The Nutcracker features dancers from around the globe, including several new dancers, resulting in a sensational performance.
As fabulous as it is to watch The Nevada Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker at The Smith Center, so too is a peek behind the curtain. The talent, dedication, and technical demands are just as critical backstage as they are on stage. Behind the stage, nimble fairies, toy soldiers, mischievous rodents, and visitors from faraway lands fall into quick snippets of repose. Driving the scene backstage is the stage manager and the men and women of the run crew, ensuring the performance runs smoothly.
As we return to rejoicing and celebrating with friends and family, gather your loved ones and return to Las Vegas’ most cherished holiday performance. The Nevada Ballet Theatre will present its holiday classic, The Nutcracker, at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts from Friday, December 9th through Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th.