Philadelphia Ballet is bringing George Balanchine's The Nutcracker back to the Academy of Music this December, reviving the holiday staple of battling mice, toy soldiers and dancing candy canes set to Tchaikovsky's score. The production follows Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on a magical Christmas Eve journey, a tale the company has staged for generations of Philadelphia families.
A Familiar Holiday Journey
As reported by FOX 29 Philadelphia, the Nutcracker Prince defeats the Mouse King before leading Marie to the Land of the Sweets, where the pair are greeted by the Sugarplum Fairy. According to Philadelphia Ballet, the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier perform a splendid pas de deux. The ballet runs approximately two hours and eight minutes, including one 20-minute intermission, per the same source.
The production features battling mice, toy soldiers, dancing candy canes and Tchaikovsky's enchanting score, according to Ensemble Arts Philly. Rothman Orthopaedics serves as the presenting sponsor for this year's run, the Philadelphia Ballet site notes.
Tickets and Access Programs
General admission tickets are on sale and purchasable through the Philadelphia Ballet website, per FOX 29. The company has not released specific casting details, including which principal dancers will perform the Sugarplum Fairy and Cavalier roles on opening night, according to the same report.
For patrons using the Art-Reach ACCESS program, discounted tickets can be purchased online using a promo code, by phone, or in person, the Philadelphia Ballet site states. ACCESS Program patrons must present a valid ACCESS card and pick up their tickets at the Academy of Music box office rather than receiving them in advance. Philadelphia Ballet also partners with GovX to offer savings to verified members, per the same source.
Box Office Hours
The Academy of Music Box Office opens two hours before each ballet performance, according to Philadelphia Ballet's visitor guidance. The article notes event and scheduling information was provided by Philadelphia Ballet.
