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Joffrey Ballet Celebrates Return Of THE NUTCRACKER, December 3-27

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features direction and design by an award-winning creative team.

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Joffrey Ballet Celebrates Return Of THE NUTCRACKER, December 3-27  Image

This holiday season, The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the return of Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's magical production of The Nutcracker.

Set in Chicago's World Fair in 1893, The Nutcracker highlights the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the wonder of the season. A beloved Chicago tradition for the entire family to enjoy, The Nutcracker will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 25 performances, from December 3-27, 2022.

The Nutcracker opens as young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the Fair's iconic Statue of the Republic, host a festive Christmas Eve celebration. Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, thanks to a visit from the charming but mysterious Great Impresario. At the stroke of midnight on a snowy Christmas Eve, when the lines between fantasy and reality blur together, Marie sets out on an unforgettable journey through Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, a marvel of sights, sounds, and enchantment.

A ballet in two acts set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, The Nutcracker features an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch, Caldecott Medal Award-winning author Brian Selznick, Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer Basil Twist, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz and Tony Award-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy/59 Productions. Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon earned his second Tony Award earlier this year for best choreography for MJ: The Musical. Learn more about Wheeldon here.

The Nutcracker features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase at Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. and by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Lighting Design - Top 3
1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys
38.3% of votes
2. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11.7% of votes
3. Adam Honoré - CATS: The Jellicle Ball
6.8% of votes

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