For more than half a century, The Nutcracker has been a dazzling must-see during Houston's holiday season. Since Houston Ballet first presented the classic in 1969, generations of families have made it part of their December tradition, returning each year for the snowflakes, the sweets, and the beautiful artistry onstage.
This year, the magic returns to the Wortham Theater Center from November 28 through December 28, with Stanton Welch's dazzling reimagining of the beloved Christmas tale. His 2016 production remains the company's most ambitious, filled with lavish sets, glittering costumes, and a cast that brings the fantasy to life on a grand scale. There are five major set changes, a 39-foot Christmas tree, and 75 pounds of faux snow swirling across the stage each night.
Behind the scenes, it is a small city in motion. Every performance calls on 36 stagehands, 16 dressers, six hair and makeup artists, and a flurry of teachers, chaperones, and costumers who keep the production running seamlessly. In all, more than 400 performers take the stage across 38 performances, including 61 company dancers, 229 Houston Ballet Academy students, and 45 community children. And if you have ever admired the Sugar Plum Fairy's shimmering tutu, know that it has been recreated four separate times since 2016. Each version requires thousands of yards of delicate netting and detailed handiwork.
The Nutcracker continues to delight audiences of all ages, and the company's annual student matinees on December 11 and 12 will introduce more than 2,300 Houston-area students to the magic of live ballet. Over its five-week run, more than 70,000 guests will experience Welch's whimsical and adventurous reimagining of this timeless masterpiece.
With Music Director Simon Thew and Guest Conductor Richard Bado leading a 100-piece orchestra and women's chorus, The Nutcracker remains a cherished Houston tradition that captures the joy, beauty, and spirit of the season. houstonballet.org