New Haven Ballet presents The Nutcracker

New Haven Ballet proudly presents Artistic Director Lisa Kim’s full-length production of The Nutcracker, set to music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The Stahlbaum family celebrates the holidays with friends, and Clara’s uncle, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives to entertain everyone with magical life-sized dolls and a beautiful Nutcracker for Clara. He also brings his handsome nephew, and Clara is delighted to make a new friend. Clara’s brother Fritz, however, feels jealous of her gift.

Late that night, Clara awakens to find her Nutcracker has grown to life-size. When the mischievous Mouse King and his army appear, she helps the Nutcracker defend himself and his soldiers. After a victorious battle, the Nutcracker transforms into a handsome Prince who resembles Herr Drosselmeyer’s nephew. Together, Clara and the Prince travel through the sparkling Land of Snow, where the Snow King and Snow Queen dance among falling snowflakes.

Tiny reindeer then guide Clara and the Prince to the Land of Sweets, where angels, fairies, and the Sugar Plum Fairy greet them. Clara and the Prince enjoy a joyous celebration filled with dazzling dances, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, before returning home with gifts and warm wishes from the Sweets.

Founded in 1985, New Haven Ballet is Greater New Haven’s premier classical ballet school, inspiring thousands each year through world-class training, captivating performances, and community programs.

Our students—ages 3 through adult—train in classical ballet, modern, contemporary, Broadway, partnering, pointe, conditioning, and repertory classes, progressing from creative beginner movement to rigorous pre-professional training. Many go on to attend prestigious summer intensives and pursue professional dance careers.

New Haven Ballet dancers bring magic to the stage in professional-level productions, including The Nutcracker at the Shubert Theatre, featuring more than 150 students and guest artists from New York City Ballet. We also offer free and accessible performances throughout the region, sharing the joy of dance with all.

Please consider bringing donations of non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys when you attend events at the theatre through the holidays. Donations will be distributed to New Haven families in need. Thank you!

The Nutcracker runs approximately 1 hour, 55 minutes including a 20 minute intermission.