Performances of the Treasured Holiday Classic Doubled Due to Popular Demand

Orlando Ballet will present “The Nutcracker,” December 7 through 16 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Due to popular demand from last season, Orlando Ballet will expand “The Nutcracker” performances over two weekends instead of one, and also offer other special opportunities to see the production.

In addition to the traditional production, Orlando Ballet will perform the “Nutcracker Family Show” on December 8 and 15. With a shortened one-hour run time, this version is perfect for younger audiences and children experiencing a ballet for the first time. This season also marks the first time the “Nutcracker Family Show” will feature the ballet’s famous snow scene, adding one of the most beloved and magical parts of “The Nutcracker” to the performance. On November 2 through 4, Orlando Ballet will also perform a one-hour version of the show at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Fla.

Orlando Ballet will continue its more than 20-year tradition of working with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS), and offer a free field trip performance to every second grade class in OCPS. This opportunity gives more than 15,000 young students a chance to experience “The Nutcracker” every year.

The Nutcracker Tea on Saturday, December 15 will transport guests to the Land of Sweets where they can enjoy sweet and savory treats, take photos with the ballet’s beloved characters, and purchase unique holiday gifts – all benefiting the Orlando Ballet School. Reserve your seats for the Nutcracker Tea priced at $50 for children and $75 for adults. The event is timed so that patrons may attend the tea immediately after the 11 a.m. “Nutcracker Family Show” performance or before the 3 p.m. show.

The Orlando Ballet School students play an important role in making this cherished holiday ballet come to life. This year, more than 150 students from the Orlando Ballet School will perform alongside the professional company on the Dr. Phillips Center stage. “The Nutcracker” helps prepare young dancers for a professional dance career and gives them invaluable stage experience. Each year two Orlando Ballet School students get the amazing opportunity to perform the role of Clara, one of the story’s main characters and the young girl who takes the audience through a magical journey after receiving a nutcracker doll.

“Whether it’s a young child experiencing the wonder of ‘The Nutcracker’ for the first time or a longtime patron who still marvels at the show’s beautiful snowfall, people have a strong emotional connection to this ballet,” said Orlando Ballet artistic director, Robert Hill. “I’m thrilled more Central Floridians will get to enjoy the magic of ‘The Nutcracker’ this year. From the captivating music to the costumes, sets, and colorful cast of characters, it is truly a delight.”

The run of performances completely sold out last season, and Orlando Ballet encourages guests to purchase tickets well in advance.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts “The Nutcracker” Performances

Friday, December 7, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts “Nutcracker Family Show” Performances

Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11 a.m.
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 11 a.m.

To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.drphillipscenter.org/events/tickets/2018/the-nutcracker/ or call the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts box office at 844-513-2014.

Garden Theatre “The Nutcracker Suite” Performances

Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 3 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.gardentheatre.org/gpost/orlando-ballets-the-nutcracker-suite/ or call the Garden Theatre box office at 407-877-4736.