All-New production of Nutcracker by Nevada Ballet for Holiday Show at Smith Center revealed at Press Preview

James and the design team on stage during the presentation

 Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) will premiere an all-new production of The Nutcracker December 15 through December 23 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. On Wednesday, October 24, NBT presented a special preview of its all-new production of The Nutcracker at Blue Line Studios.

Drawing from the original tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, Artistic Director James Canfield used the famous ETA Hoffman story as his point of departure for this production. With the theme of time as a continual thread throughout this Victorian-inspired version, a wondrous world of exaggerated perspective will transport audiences. From extraordinary and ornamental figures such as a flying rocking horse, waltzing flowers and a fairy for all seasons, to some of the most beloved and traditional characters including Clara, Drosselmeyer, Mother Ginger and the Sugar Plum Fairy, these fantasied beings will be brought to life within the walls of a stunning life-sized Victorian dollhouse, complete with a 30 foot tall growing Christmas tree -- and doors and grandfather clocks that range over 15 feet tall.

Costume renderings on display.

Canfield secured the creative forces of renowned scenery and properties designer Patricia Ruel and acclaimed costume designer Sandra Woodall for this year's production.

“Every world class city has a great ballet company and not one of them is without a production of The Nutcracker,” said Artistic Director James Canfield. “The Nutcracker is a way of life for every company, large or small. There is no other work in the ballet repertoire that embraces the community it serves by extending to all cultures and diverse populations – where for two hours, everyone has the opportunity to experience something unique and beautiful.”

Construction on the life sized dollhouse that will open actI.

“NBT’s production will be especially memorable because James has conceived an approach that blends innovation and tradition in order to achieve something that is free and beautiful,” said Costume Designer Sandra Woodall. “During the creative process, we look at what is happening in the world around us and seek to combine that with ballet history and tradition. This particular version of The Nutcracker allows me the unique opportunity to be a part of both ballet as art and ballet as spectacle!”

This year’s cast of over 150 includes 109 children from the Academy of Nevada Ballet Theatre and NBT’s Education and Outreach programs, Future Dance and Dance Discovery.

The Nutcracker Production Team:

Adrian Young, Project Manager and Production Stage Manager
Tim Sage, Technical Director
Jack Gaughen, Music Director
Patrick Ruel, Scenic and Property Designs
Sandra Woodall, Costume Designs
Matthieu Larivee (Luz Studio), Lighting Design
Blue Line Studios, Scenery Build/Realization
PRG, Scenery Build/Realization
Parsons-Meares, LTD. Costume Build/Realization
Acme Scenic Services, Scenery Build/Realization
Rose Brand, Scenery Build/Realization
Kendra Kocher/Quixotic Creative, Logo Design and Brand Concept