Celebrate the magic of the season with Madison Ballet's enchanting production of The Nutcracker with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, a cherished holiday tradition that has delighted generations of families throughout Wisconsin.
Featuring Madison Ballet's professional company alongside students from the School of Madison Ballet and young performers from the community, The Nutcracker is a celebration of artistry, tradition, and togetherness. Tchaikovsky's iconic score, spectacular costumes, stunning scenery, and dazzling choreography create an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Whether you're continuing a treasured family tradition or discovering The Nutcracker for the very first time, Madison Ballet invites you to experience the warmth, beauty, and magic that make this holiday masterpiece a beloved part of the season.
Join a pre-curtain performance by Suzuki Stings in the Overture Hall lobby on December 13th at 1:00p.
SYNOPSIS
The Nutcracker is a holiday fairy tale about a young girl, Clara Stahlbaum, and her favorite Christmas. Her parents are hosting their annual Christmas Eve Party, with guests who’ve come from around the world. Clara’s mysterious Godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, arrives and charms Clara and the guests with magic tricks and life-sized dancing mechanical dolls. Best of all, he brings a special Christmas gift for Clara: a beautiful Nutcracker doll.
Clara is very excited about her Nutcracker. She cradles it lovingly as she dances with it alongside her friends. But her brother, Fritz, is jealous. He snatches the Nutcracker from Clara and throws it down, breaking her new treasure. Clara’s watchful Godfather sees what has happened, and fixes the doll for her.
When the party has ended and the family is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs to look at her Nutcracker doll. She eventually falls asleep and with a little help from Drosselmeyer’s magic, her dream begins.
The Rat King appears with his army to try to kidnap Clara and take her to his kingdom. Clara looks everywhere for her Nutcracker, but he is gone and the room seems to swirl around her. Suddenly, the Christmas tree begins growing, and everything in the room seems out of proportion. Soldiers appear, and behind them is her beloved Nutcracker. He has come to life to save Clara from the Rat King.
The Nutcracker and the Rat King begin fighting. Clara hides, worried for her Nutcracker. It appears he will be overpowered, so Clara takes off her shoe and throws it, hitting the Rat King. He is distracted, and Clara’s bravery helps the Nutcracker defeat the Rat King and win the battle.
In a cloud of smoke, Clara’s Nutcracker is transformed. She has found her Prince. He offers his hand to take her on a journey into the land of the Snowflakes. After meeting the Snow King and Queen, and watching the Snowflakes dance, Clara flies off in a sleigh to the enchanted land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
There, she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and Clara and her Nutcracker Prince tell the Sugar Plum Fairy about the adventures that brought them there. The Sugar Plum Fairy invites Clara and the Nutcracker Prince to dance. They meet many new friends, whose costumes remind Clara of the colorful clothes worn by the party guests she met earlier that evening.
Finally, they meet the beautiful Red Rose and her waltzing Flowers. Clara doesn’t want this wonderful night to end, or to leave her handsome Nutcracker Prince, but she knows it is time to go. She boards her sleigh and sleepily waves goodbye to everyone.
She awakens on Christmas morning. All that remains of her adventure is her Nutcracker doll and the wonderful memories of her most magical Christmas.
Tickets
OVERTURE HALL
Range | $44 — $151
RUNTIME
2 hours including a 20 minute intermission
AGE RECOMMENDATION
All ages
10 or more Standard adult tickets receive a discount.
Dates & Times
Friday, December 11th - 7 PM
Saturday, December 12th - 2 PM
Saturday, December 12th - 7 PM
Sunday, December 13th - 2 PM*
Friday, December 18th - 7 PM
Saturday, December 19th - 2 PM
Saturday, December 20th - 7 PM
Sunday, December 21st - 2 PM
Sunday, December 21st - 7 PM
*Join a pre-curtain performance by Suzuki Stings in the Overture Hall lobby on December 13th at 1:00p.
Venue
Overture Hall
Overture Center for the Arts
201 State St.
Madison, WI 53703