HOUSTON BALLET’S ULTIMATE HOLIDAY TRADITION RETURNS

With Stanton Welch’s Extravagant Production of The Nutcracker

Houston’s ultimate holiday tradition returns with the magic and wonder of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker at Wortham Theater Center from November 24 to December 27, 2023.

This 20th season of Stanton Welch AM as artistic director marks the seventh presentation of one of the most splendid interpretations ever staged. In the fourth rendition of The Nutcracker performed at Houston Ballet, Welch’s version features hundreds of characters, elaborate sets, and stunning details that will captivate audiences who will find something new within every performance.

Before the opening night of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, the public is invited to the 33rd Annual Wortham Tree Lighting Ceremony in its majestic foyer on Wednesday, November 22nd from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This FREE event is presented by HFC, Houston Ballet, and Houston Grand Opera (HGO).

Activities include arts and crafts facilitated by Houston Ballet’s Education & Community Engagement department, a reading of Houston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” book, a pop-up Houston Ballet boutique, photo op with Santa Claus, cookies, live festive music including DACAMERA presents Jalen Baker Trio and Musicians from Mercury Chamber Orchestra, among other fun surprises! With a special appearance by the Sugar Plum Fairy who will light the colossal Christmas tree, this free event is the perfect way to ring in the season

Set to Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s iconic score and beaming larger-than-life scenery by acclaimed British designer Tim Goodchild, Welch’s dazzling choreography showcases the talent of the entire Houston Ballet Company. This production features all 59 Company dancers and over 300 students from Houston Ballet Academy plus locals from the annual open audition. This year’s production features 33 performances, offering plenty of opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience all that this glittering production delivers time and time again.

“Julie [Kent] and I are thrilled to be bringing Houston’s ultimate holiday tradition back to the stage this season,” says Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM. “Knowing that The Nutcracker is the start of the holiday season for so many families in our community brings me incredible joy, and we cannot wait to see you in the theater.”

Setting the stage for enchantment as soon as you approach Wortham Theater Center, Sugar Plum Plaza takes over the iconic Fish Plaza with a holiday season transformation from November 17, 2023 – January 4, 2024. A modern take on the traditional hourglass that tracks time, six giant modules will surround a larger-than-life Nutcracker Music Box that will serenade visitors as they explore the custom-built ornaments. Presented by Houston First Corporation (HFC) and produced by Creos, an internationally traveled Quebec-based maker of interactive art, this installation is in conjunction with City Lights Downtown.

Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker tickets are available at HoustonBallet.org or call 713-227-ARTS (2787).

Photos courtesy of Houston Ballet