The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona

Stunning costumes, incredible music, and fantastic theatrics are just part of what make The Nutcracker by Ballet Arizona one my all-time favorite holiday events. I attend the show year after year, and am consistently amazed by not only the production quality, but the magic in the air. The Nutcracker isn’t just a ballet performance. For me, it’s the true essence of the Christmas season.

To shed a little light on what makes The Nutcracker such a special performance, we sat down with Ballet Arizona’s Director of Marketing, Samantha Turner.

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

CitS: The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition for many people. How will this year’s production compare to previous seasons?

BA: The audience won’t be disappointed. Ballet Arizona understands that attending The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition for families and ballet lovers across the Valley. We work hard to make sure the magical experience meets and exceeds expectations. We’re excited to add something new to the pre-show activities in the Symphony Hall lobby. A magician will be strolling the lobby performing illusions for guests. As always, there will be the Nutcracker Boutique – filled with more shapes and sizes of Nutcrackers than you can imagine – as well as the reading of The Nutcracker story in the lobby, and the opportunity to purchase a keepsake photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

CitS: The Nutcracker is an incredibly beautiful production. How does Ballet Arizona manage to create such a stunning show year after year?

BA: Everything is extremely consistent year after year. The production is choreographed by renowned artistic director Ib Andersen, The Nutcracker was created in 2006 at a cost of $1.8 million for the magical sets and the breathtaking costumes (we have more than 200 of them) so the audience is in for a real treat. Back in 2013, The New York Times’ senior dance critic Alastair Macaulay declared Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker as“one of the three finest productions” of the nearly 20 versions he attended around the country.

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

CitS: Are there any highlights to watch out for during the production?

BA: Lots! Some scene stealers include the Christmas tree that “grows” to 40 feet, 200 pounds of “snow” falling during the snow scene and the firing of cannons onstage. During the snow scene 12 dancers are twirling away in their snowflake costumes embellished with Swarovski Crystals which makes for a magical scene (pictured above). Everything is highly orchestrated and rehearsed over and over again so the audience can enjoy a fantastic performance.