The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition at Betty Oliphant Theatre

Holiday magic is made year after year by Canada's Ballet Jrgen's traditional treasure The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jrgen to Tchaikovsky's well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays. Born from a collaboration with Kleinburg's world renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and with well over 100 costumes in richly coloured fabrics, The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition brings out the magic of Canada. 20th Century landscapes make up the stunning 30-foot backdrops, including Franklin Carmichael's Church and Houses at Bisset (1931), Tom Thompson's Snow in the Woods (1916), and L.L. Fitzgerald's Trees and Wildflowers (1922). This is a beautiful Canadian work, and audiences are taken on Klara's familiar, magical dream journey as she arrives in Canada and experiences winter landscapes filled with snowflakes, lumberjacks, Mounties, and creatures of the woods. This celebration of the wonder of the season is based on the popular traditional story The Nutcracker and the King of Mice by E.T.A. Hoffman, enjoyed by audiences for years. The ballet's second act is remembered for its celebration of varied dances, and our charming divertissements of raccoons, loons, dragonflies, and bears demonstrate Klara's longing for the summer months as she travels excitedly through her dreams. The iconic, show-stopping pas-de-deux in the final act is lovingly danced by Lord and Lady Birch as they usher Klara safely home at the end of the adventure.