The Kennedy Center presents Kansas City Ballet In THE NUTCRACKER

Last seen in 2008 as part of Ballet Across America, Kansas City Ballet marks its first full engagement at the Kennedy Center in the cherished holiday favorite, The Nutcracker, November 22 & 24-26, for seven performances in the Opera House. This year's version is a truly opulent D.C. premiere recently reimagined and choreographed by artistic director Devon Carney in 2015. Following the tradition of other visiting companies, dozens of local children from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will join the company on stage, while the Arlington Children's Chorus lend their voices to the dazzling snow scene. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

Featuring vibrant, elaborate sets by Alain Vaës; colorful costumes by Holly Hynes, who has created designs for the likes of Christopher Wheeldon, Alexei Ratmansky, New York City Ballet, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, and more; as well as lighting by Trad A Burns, the enchanting production has become a highlight of the season in Kansas City. Set to Tchaikovsky's classic score, the beloved Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman is told through the eyes of a young girl, Clara, as she embarks on a wondrous journey filled with heroic toy soldiers, sword-fighting mice, a journey to the Land of Sweets, elegant waltzes, unique divertissements, and the delicate Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Distinctive signatures of Carney's production include inventive twists such as a line of giant Russian stacking dolls, a toy bear that comes to life, and a Hip Hop-dancing grandfather.

Founded in 1957, Kansas City Ballet is a 30-member professional ballet company under the leadership of Artistic Director Devon Carney and Executive Director Jeffrey J. Bentley. The company is home to Kansas City Ballet School with an enrollment of 2,000+ children and adults offering professional training for the career-minded student as well as for those seeking a healthy lifestyle. Through the professional company, Second Company (KCB II & Trainees), and community engagement and education programs, Kanas City Ballet aims to nurture and develop artists, audiences, and students in the values inherent in the creativity, diversity, and joy of dance.

Funding Credits:

Support for Ballet at the Kennedy Center is generously provided by C. Michael Kojaian.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $59. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Performance Schedule

Kansas City Ballet in The Nutcracker

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 24, 2017 at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.