Farewell performances of Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker start this week

Like many Christmas traditions, The Nutcracker has remained essentially the same since Robert Joffrey created his iconic version in 1987. Prior to Joffrey’s re-imaging of the classic story, The Nutcracker was a European story set in a traditional European home. Joffrey brought the story across the big pond when he set the story in a traditional 19th Century home.

It is this version that American ballet companies perform on stages across America each holiday season. For many, The Nutcracker is their first introduction to ballet as a long-form story. ”The Joffrey Nutcracker maintains the classical purity of Robert Joffrey’s original choreography while sparkling with elegant costumes, an extravagant set by Oliver Smith and a giant Mother Ginger puppet by Kermit Love.” These elements are the pieces audience members look forward to every season.

It is the individual performances that add the nuances that make each performance a unique experience. When the Snow King and Queen whisk Clara to the enchanted forest, audience members wait to see how the Joffrey will bring the exotic dancing confections to life. The anticipation of the familiar is what makes each performance special holiday memory as young performers join the full Joffrey company on stage. The 118 young performers come from the Chicago area and beyond to participate in different pe

The Chicago Philharmonic provides live accompaniment of the classic Tchaikovsky music. Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck leads the musicians through the much-loved and recognized score for every performance.

The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre through Sunday, December 27. This is the last year the company will perform Robert Joffrey’s original choreography. Don’t miss the chance to see it one last time.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.joffrey.org.