Nevada Ballet Theatre is bringing “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” to Las Vegas from Dec. 13-28 for an 18-performance run at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Las Vegas’ Symphony Park.

With expert scenic design and state-of-the-art technology, this all-new production, the first one in 12 years, will transport audiences into The Art Deco spirit of the 1930s with Balanchine’s renowned choreography as the centerpiece. 

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

“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” has been entertaining generations of families since 1954 with The New York City Ballet, establishing it as the quintessential version and American holiday classic known today.

NBT joins a select group of American ballet companies who currently perform Balanchine’s renowned version, lauded for its rich storytelling, technically challenging choreography and diverse roles for 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 and CEO Beth Barbre and NBT Artistic Director Roy Kaiser.

“Our hope is 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.”

The production will feature more than 140 roles danced by Professional Company Artists and 86 The School of Nevada Ballet Theatre students. “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.

The 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 carried out by designers, artisans and makers across the country, including NBT’s own wardrobe department. NBT’s production will feature more than 1,500 fabrics, trims and notions as part of the costuming in addition to more than 10,000 rhinestones in The Snowflakes and Flowers scenes.

Redesigned for today’s audiences, the 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 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.”

Additional “Nutcracker” Underwriting Support: Victoria Fertitta, C.A. Hartnell, Palm Mortuary & Cemeteries, Sanjay & Nada Jain, Richard MacDonald, Lauri Thompson Allen, Nik & Alex Bracken, Randi Firus & Tim Bremer, Libby Hoover and Morris A. Hazan Family Foundation.

Three Weekends of Performances: Opening weekend – four performances with the Las Vegas Philharmonic: Saturday, Dec. 13, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7 p.m. Also: Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 2 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 26, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2 p.m.

‘Nutcracker’ Experiences at The Smith Center

Free “Nutcracker” School Matiness for CCSD Students: As part of NBT’s Community Education initiatives, more than 2,500 Clark County School District students will receive the opportunity to witness the magic of “The Nutcracker” on Tuesday, Dec. 16 (open/sensory inclusive) and Wednesday, Dec. 17 (students of NBT’s Go-Move-Dance program). Students receive a study guide before attending the performance.

“Nutcracker” Photo Experience Presented by Cashman Photo: Patrons will delight in “The Nutcracker” photo experience presented by Cashman Photo located in The Smith Center lobby.

Pre-Show Entertainment With Local Choral Groups: 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.