an exciting new nutcracker!

Don't miss out on the magic of Ballet Rhode Island (formerly Festival Ballet Providence) Christmas classic The Nutcracker - a long-running Rhode Island tradition. After a dazzling revamp in 2022, this exciting new production is resplendent with brand-new sets, costumes, and magnificent choreography from Yury Yanowsky!  

A classic staging of the familiar tale of Clara and her prince, The Nutcracker ballet is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice" by E.T.A. Hoffman. First performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1892, the ballet has since become a holiday tradition throughout the world.

What is The Nutcracker about?

One snowy Christmas Eve, at a great townhouse where a party is in full swing, local magician Uncle Drosselmeyer with gifts for the children, including a wooden nutcracker for Clara, the oldest child. When the clock strikes twelve an adventure begins, the Christmas tree suddenly grows 25 feet in height, and the Nutcracker doll comes to life, leading our heroine Clara into an epic battle between mice and tin soldiers.

After helping the toyland troops defeat the Mouse Queen and her hordes, the Nutcracker beckons Clara her through a dozen dancing snowflakes to the Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her handsome Cavalier introduce the couple to brightly costumed dancers representing candy from all around the world. They celebrate the victory over the Mouse Queen with a series of dance vignettes, culminating in a stunning finale.