OPENING: Reimagined Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker Set In 1892 Chicago Right Before The World’s Fair

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THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH

RETURN OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S NEWLY REIMAGINED

THE NUTCRACKER

All photos by Cheryl Mann

At the Auditorium Theatre, in 33 performances, 

December 1-30, 2017

Following a wildly successful world premiere in December 2016, The Joffrey Ballet will present its newly reimagined holiday classic The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon in 33 performances only, at the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago at 50 East Congress Parkway, December 1-30, 2017.  

“This stunning version of The Nutcracker pays homage to a magical moment in Chicago’s history,” said Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. “Creating a holiday classic that belongs specifically to the Joffrey—one that represents our dedication to unique repertoire and innovative works—has been one of my proudest moments as Artistic Director. Christopher’s work has found fresh meaning at the heart of The Nutcracker story and I am honored to delight Chicago audiences once again with this magical production.”



A ballet in two acts, The Nutcracker opens in Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1892, mere months before the opening of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as the World’s Fair, a marvel unlike anything the city has ever seen. Marie and her younger brother Franz arrive at home, where their immigrant mother—a sculptress of modest means—designs the seminal masterpiece that will preside over the Fair. A festive Christmas potluck ensues, only to be interrupted by the mysterious Great Impresario, creator of the World’s Fair. He entertains with enchanting visions of the what’s to come, distributing gifts in the process, which includes a mercurial nutcracker for Marie. That evening, Marie awakens to an epic battle between toy soldiers and rats led by The Rat King and the now life-size Nutcracker. Unexpectedly, Marie saves the day, as The Great Impresario and the Nutcracker, now transformed into a Prince, set sail on a magical journey into the night.



The second act begins as the trio arrives on the shores of the fairgrounds, greeted by the Queen of the Fair, who grants them a dream-like visit among the sprawling attractions. They move from pavilion to pavilion, represented by countries from around the world. As the dream ends, the Fair explodes with light and Marie suddenly awakens to find it is Christmas Day.

The Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky for every performance. The full Joffrey company is also joined onstage by over 90 young dancers from the Chicagoland area and young vocalists from four different local children’s choirs.

The Nutcracker features design by an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shockheaded Peter), Caldecott Medal Award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (author of the New York Times bestseller Wonderstruck, adapted into the film of the same name starring Julianne Moore, which just received its critically acclaimed U.S. release), Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Basil Twist (The Addams Family), six-time Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (An American in Paris, Frozen) and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy (An American in Paris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch). 



Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 1 through Saturday, December 30. The full schedule is as follows: Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2:00pm, Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 2:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec 30 at 2:00pm.

Single tickets, which range from $35 - $165, are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Box Office, by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at Joffrey.org.

About The Joffrey Ballet
Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.

The company’s commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program including the much-lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.

Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron.

The Joffrey Ballet gratefully acknowledges the generous support of 2017 The Nutcracker Production Sponsor Jewell Events Catering. Also with gratitude to The Nutcracker Commissioning Sponsors Margot and Josef Lakonishok, Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Hancher Auditorium - University of Iowa, and the many “Believers” including Corporate Sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Gallagher, BrickStreet Insurance, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Sponsors Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock, Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Pamella Roland DeVos and Daniel DeVos, Sonia Florian, The Walter E. Heller Foundation, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill, Bill and Orli Staley Foundation, and the Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet.

Special thanks to Co-Sponsors of the 2017-2018 Season: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, NIB Foundation, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Live Music Sponsor the Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music, and Season Partners: pamella roland and Fox Ford Lincoln, Clear Channel Airports, and JW Marriott.

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ChiIL Mama's Top Fam Friendly Holiday Picks: The House Theatre Nutcracker

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO PRESENTS THE RETURN OF THEIR HOLIDAY CLASSIC AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADAPTATION OF THE NUTCRACKER THROUGH DECEMBER 28

Here at ChiIL Mama we dig our live holiday shows with a touch of the macabre, to balance out the festive songs and merriment. The House Theatre's ballet free, dead Marine mourning, multiheaded rat infested Nutcracker fits the bill. We're huge fans of House Theatre and greatly anticipate their fabulous Nutcracker production every time the holidays roll around. I know it's a crazy busy time for many families, but if you just make time for a few live shows this season, make this one of them. Highly recommended! Click here for loads of our past House Nutcracker coverage.

Book by Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich

Music by Kevin O’Donnell, Lyrics by Jake Minton

Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann 

Directed and Choreographed by Tommy Rapley    

PRICES: $15 - $45

TIMES: Thursdays & Fridays 7:30, Saturdays 3:00 & 7:30, Sundays 3:00 & 7:00

SEATS: Performed in the round, with seats on all sides, and always general admission

RUN TIME: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission

AGES: 5 to 105! Read more in the Parent's Guide from co-writer Jake Minton.

We bring this wholly original, ballet-free show back year after year because it truly has something for everyone. The show is fast-paced, beautifully choreographed, family-friendly, and moving for even those of us that might be on the grinch’s side from time to time.

The House’s fantastical expansion of this holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to save Christmas in the face of grief. With the help of a magical nutcracker, this brave girl will risk the darkness, fight the Rat King, and save her family! This modern holiday production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song, and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope -- a fun outing fit for the whole family.

“Imaginative and inventive! It's more than earned a place in the roster of EXCEPTIONAL Chicago holiday shows. I was teary-eyed in less than five minutes.”
- Chicago Reader

“A RIVETING REINVENTION!"
- The Chicago Sun-Times

“IT WILL BRING YOUR FAMILY CLOSER TOGETHER!”
- The Chicago Tribune

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Show Dates: Through Dec 28 2014 Location:

Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St., Chicago

Now in it’s fifth year, House’s adaptation written by Company Members Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich with music by Kevin O’Donnell and, directed and choreographed by Company Member Tommy Rapley

Returns to the Chopin Theatre

The House Theatre of Chicago brings holiday cheer with its fifth annual return of their all-original, family-friendly The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division, through December 28. The book is written by Company Members Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich with music by Kevin O’Donnell. Company Member Tommy Rapley once again reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. 

Regular performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Regular run tickets range from $25 - $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $10 for all dates, based on availability. 

Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Nutcracker is adapted by Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse,” a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The production is directed and choreographed by Tommy Rapley with original music by Kevin O’Donnell.

The cast for The Nutcracker features the return of House Company Member Michael E. Smith in the role of Monkey, and welcomes back past cast members and guest artists Ericka Ratcliff (first appearing in the premiere 2007 cast and recently seen in Rose and the Rime) as Martha/Really Scary Rat and Karl Potthoff (reprising his role from last year as Uncle Drosselmeyer/Really Quite Scary Rat). Returning guest artist Paul Fagen (last seen in 2008’s The Attempters) plays David/Quite Scary Rat. Guest artists rounding out the cast include Jacklyn Hennell (Clara), Andrew Lund (Hugo the Robot), Krystal Worrell (Phoebe the Babydoll) and Shaun Baer (Fritz the Nutcracker).

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (21 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Now in its 13th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.