Houston Ballet’s Iconic Nutcracker Returns to the Stage for Its 51st Year
Stanton Welch’s Iconic Version of the Holiday Classic Brings Whimsy And Magic to Houston
Houston Ballet is set to present the return of beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker, opening for the season on Friday, November 29 and running through Sunday, December 29. Over the course of its five-week engagement, this cherished production is expected to welcome more than 70,000 spectators to experience Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM’s dazzling rendition of the timeless masterpiece.
Since its world premiere in 2016, Welch’s enchanting Nutcracker has captivated audiences with its joy, whimsy, and sense of adventure. This season, Welch and Co-Artistic Director Julie Kent will lead Houston Ballet’s world-class ensemble of 60 professional dancers, alongside 340 student performers and an orchestra of over 100 musicians, through 36 spellbinding performances designed to delight both seasoned ballet enthusiasts and first-time attendees alike.
“Since joining Stanton as Artistic Director last year, I have been deeply inspired by his creative brilliance and the way he transforms every movement and detail into something extraordinary. Watching our dancers bring The Nutcracker to life and seeing audiences immerse themselves in its enchanting world is truly magical,” shares Kent. “For some, this is the beginning of a new holiday tradition, while for others, it’s a cherished part of their annual celebrations. The diversity in our audience—spanning ages, cultures, and backgrounds—beautifully reflects the vibrant fabric of Houston, and we are honored to share this beloved production with our community.”
The over-the-top production is brought to life by hundreds of artisans and craftspeople in Houston and beyond. The set, which includes five major scene changes per performance, was created for Welch and Houston Ballet by 67 technicians in a scene shop in London, helmed by British designer Tim Goodchild. It features a 39-foot Christmas tree with a 25-foot built-in spiral staircase, a 14,000-pound two-story replica of the Stahlbaum family’s stately Georgian mansion that spans the stage’s 17,000 square feet, and 75 pounds of faux snow.
Three esteemed conductors will lead Houston Ballet’s orchestra throughout this season’s performances of The Nutcracker: Simon Thew, Music Director and Chief Conductor of Houston Ballet; Geneviève Leclair, Conductor of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet; and Richard Bado, Conductor of Houston Grand Opera. Adding to the production’s enchantment, twelve vocalists from the Women’s Chorus perform a captivating melismatic melody during the iconic Waltz of the Snowflakes scene, further enhancing the magical atmosphere.
There are eight “value days” with family-friendly pricing, along with five performances that include the option to add a $60 VIP Green Room experience with complimentary drinks, snacks and a custom photobooth.
Join Houston Ballet for The Nutcracker through December 29, 2024 by visiting HoustonBallet.org or by calling 713.227.ARTS (2787).
Photos courtesy of the Houston Ballet