The “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” international ensemble will grace the stage of the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center on Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. The 33rd annual North American tour showcases a fusion of talent from esteemed ballet capitals worldwide, converging on one stage to spread the overarching message of the holidays—peace.
This production takes the Nutcracker in an innovative new direction. Seamlessly blending classical ballet with avant-garde circus techniques, acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk breaks new ground in ballet-theatrical presentation through his lively reimagined staging. The second act departs from the standard re-telling and explores the moving "Land of Peace and Harmony," building up to the signature and unique "Doves of Peace” adagio, which is a powerful, symbolic scene embodying unity and understanding.
Along the way, audiences will be captivated by the introduction of the Herald, a Cyr Wheel artist performing acrobatic feats while manipulating a large, single metal hoop. The Herald, who embodies the Spirit of the Forest, leads Clara through a joyous celebration adorned with magnificent 10-foot-tall animal puppets and graceful handheld birds constructed by renowned South African artist Roger Titley. Throughout the journey, audiences will be delighted by dancers depicting five of the world's great heritages, including a daring acrobatic performance during the well-known Arabian number. This combination of classical ballet with thrilling acrobatic elements creates an unforgettable and distinct production that sets it apart from any other Nutcracker production today.
New this season, aligned with Talmi Entertainment’s decades-long support of the art of puppetry, Clara will be accompanied by Sweets the Dog, who embodies the timeless virtues of loyalty, fidelity and love. Drawing from the archetype of the hero’s journey, Sweets highlights the values at the heart of the holiday season—integrity, joy and the timeless message that even the bravest adventures are made brighter when shared with a true friend. Sweets was created by Barry Gordemer of Handemonium, the award-winning puppeteer’s studio known for innovative characters seen on stage, TV and film around the world.
Headlined by principal dancers from Ukraine's esteemed opera houses and featuring a troupe of 40 exceptional artists from around the globe, “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” honors the cherished tradition of the classic holiday favorite. Ballerinas Karyna Shatkovskaya, Elena Pechenyuk and Ren Morioka reprise the iconic role of Clara, bringing the timeless story to life with exquisite grace and skill. The production maintains the beautiful choreography and artistic integrity that audiences expect from a classic ballet, ensuring a nostalgic and heartwarming experience for all ages. Talmi Entertainment’s “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” is the largest touring production of its kind, with performances in many of North America’s most iconic theaters, including San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre, Detroit’s Fox Theatre, New Orleans’ Saenger Theatre and NYC’s United Palace.
“This year, we're homing in on what makes ‘NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’ unique,” said Dan Talmi, Executive Producer of Talmi Entertainment. “With Viktor Davydiuk's visionary choreography as our foundation, we’re integrating breathtaking acrobatic artistry and expanding on exciting family-friendly elements, including incredible puppets and innovative set designs from world renowned artists. Our dedication to pushing creative boundaries and engaging all of the senses ensures that each performance offers an incredible experience, weaving together both traditional and modern elements that will create an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.”
Purchase tickets online or by calling 304-293-SHOW (7469). Tickets can also be purchased from the box office in the lobby of the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. as well as 60 minutes prior to each ticketed event. Special pricing is available for groups and WVU students.