Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Reimagined Dec. 13-14

Opening Weekend will feature the Las Vegas Philharmonic at The Smith Center.

Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is presenting George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® in Las Vegas on Dec. 13-28 for an 18-performance run at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. With expert scenic design and state-of-the-art technology, this all-new Art Deco-inspired production aims to excite and anticipate audiences, transporting them into the glamorous spirit of the 1930s, with George Balanchine's renowned choreography at its center.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® has been entertaining generations of families since 1954 with the New York City Ballet, thus establishing it as the quintessential version and American holiday classic we know today. NBT joins a select group of American ballet companies that currently perform George Balanchine's renowned version, lauded for its rich storytelling, technically challenging choreography, and diverse roles for both professional dancers and students.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring George Balanchine’s choreographic brilliance to the stage, illuminated by magnificent costumes and scenic design that blends timelessness with innovation, said NBT President & CEO Beth Barbre and NBT Artistic Director, Roy Kaiser. "We hope to create an enduring holiday tradition for decades to come that will enchant Las Vegas audiences and nurture the next generation of artists and arts patrons."

NBT’s production will feature over 140 roles danced by its Professional Company Artists and 86 students from the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre. “As we celebrate 54 years of bringing dance to Las Vegas, this production represents our growth as we reach new heights in performances, training, and education,” said Kaiser.

This newly imagined production will feature the artistry of renowned Scenic and Costume Designer Michael Raiford, whose masterful design work has established a glamorous 1930s aesthetic inspired by The Smith Center. Raiford's creations have been produced by designers, artisans, and makers across the country, including NBT's own wardrobe department. NBT's production will feature over 1,500 fabrics, trims, and notions for costuming, as well as over 10,000 rhinestones in the Snowflakes and Flowers scenes alone. (Renderings by Scenic and Costume Designer, Michael Raiford). Redesigned for today's audiences, this remarkable new production also includes the creativity of Projection Designer Aaron Rhyne, whose work will blend LED and HD Projection with traditional scenic design for a realistic yet cutting-edge visual experience. "It will be memorable, magical, and can only be seen in Las Vegas," said Kaiser.

“As the most influential choreographer of all time, George Balanchine created a Nutcracker that has shaped the artistic landscape for generations,” said Beth Barbre. “Presenting a production of this scale and tailoring it to our community is a meaningful investment in our future. As the most significant revenue-generating production in our repertoire, presenting George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® strengthens our company’s foundation and positions Las Vegas as a premier destination for the performing arts.”

As part of NBT's Community Education initiatives, over 2,500 CCSD students will have the opportunity to experience the magic of The Nutcracker on Tuesday, December 16 (open and sensory-inclusive) and Wednesday, December 17 (for students in NBT's Go-Move-Dance program). This effort aims to make families and local schools feel connected and proud of their community's involvement in the arts, fostering a sense of belonging and shared cultural experience.

Patrons will delight in the Nutcracker photo experience presented by Cashman Photography, located in the lobby of The Smith Center. The experience of attending George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® will be enhanced by the melodic sounds of local choral groups, who will fill the lobby with holiday cheer before the show. This year's lineup includes but is not limited to: Desert Spring United Methodist Church Bell and Vocal Choir, Alexander Dawson School, The Meadows School, Faith Lutheran Students, Silver Statesmen Chorus, Keller Middle School Mariachi Program, Candle Bright Chorus, Grace City Opera Theatre, Truth Music, and Sun City Musicmakers.

Special thanks to Nutcracker patrons for their commitment to underwriting this production

Presenting Sponsor & Lead Underwriter: E. L. Wiegand Foundation (In Loving Memory of Kristen Avansino)

Madeleine & Don Andress, Bennett Family Foundation, Canarelli Family Foundation, Mark Davis, Mr. Guatam and Dr. Uma Desai, Diane and Kenny Epstein, The Houssels Family, Marilynn Mack IMO of Joyce Mack, The Mantis Family, Richard Plaster and Family, Stella Roy Foundation, Miriam Shearing, and Sandee and Tito Tiberti.

For over five decades, Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) has enriched the lives of Las Vegas residents through professional Ballet productions, an affiliated School offering the highest level of dance training, and outstanding educational programs for underserved youth.   As a 501(c)(3) non-profit performing arts organization and the largest professional ballet company and dance school in the state, NBT has been a cultural force since its first performance over 50 years ago. The mission of Nevada Ballet Theatre is to educate and inspire statewide, regional, and national audiences and vitally impact community life through professional company productions, dance training, and Community Education Programs. Nevada Ballet Theatre is the Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets for this highly anticipated ballet are on sale now and may be purchased online, by calling The Smith Center box office at 702-749-2000, or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org. Group experiences are also available for 10 or more and include priority seating and special discounts.

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