Oklahoma City, OK, October 30, 2024: Oklahoma City Ballet will present a brand-new version of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, presented by Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation, December 14-23 at the Civic Center Music Hall. In addition to the 11 performances featuring live music from OKCPHIL and Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma City Ballet will present a sensory-friendly performance on December 18. This production is also made possible with support from the Kirkpatrick Family Fund and Betsy Brackett and Gregg Wadley.
This new production is a massive undertaking that includes 195 new costumes, custom designed by legendary designer Holly Hynes. Sets were designed by Michael Raiford and lighting by Trad Burns, both internationally acclaimed designers. The vision for this new production is led by Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, who worked closely with the designers.
“Audiences can expect to be captivated by the stunning designs. From the opulent costumes to the intricate sets, every element is carefully woven together with lighting that draws the audience deeper into our story. What makes this production unique is that the set transitions will happen a vista—an open scene change where nothing is hidden from the audience’s view. The true magic will emerge through the storytelling, the dancing, the lighting, and choreographed scene changes. Every moment is crafted to create an immersive experience that lets the magic unfold naturally on stage,” said Jolicoeur-Nye.
The Nutcracker will be performed by Oklahoma City Ballet’s 27 professional dancers, 35 members of OKCBII, and more than 80 students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School. OKCPHIL will perform the iconic Tchaikovsky score live at each performance, and Canterbury Youth Voices will provide vocals during the famed “snow scene.”
“We are so grateful to Devon Energy and the Chickasaw Nation for making this production possible for Oklahoma City Ballet to dream BIG. This new production will make waves both locally and nationally,” said Oklahoma City Ballet Executive Director Jo Lynne Jones.
In addition to new sets, costumes, wigs, props, and lighting, Jolicoeur-Nye has added some fun new characters including the Mouse Queen, pirate mice, polar bears, Father Ginger, fairies, and fireflies.
Jolicoeur-Nye adds, “Our goal was to honor the rich history and tradition of The Nutcracker, while simultaneously inviting the audience to embark on a fresh, unexpected adventure. Striking that balance between reverence for the past and introducing new elements was a challenge, but I believe we’ve achieved something both timeless and deeply satisfying.”
Single tickets range from $29 to $128 and are available now through Oklahoma City Ballet and Civic Center Box offices. They are also available online at www.okcballet.org. In partnership with AutismOklahoma, the sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker will take place Wednesday, December 18 at 7:00. Sensory-friendly performances are for children and adults with sensory sensitivities or for anyone who may benefit from being in a more relaxed environment. Changes to this performance will include: no live music and lower volume for recorded music; adjusted house lighting; no pyrotechnics or strobe lights; and very relaxed theater rules, allowing guests to use electronic devices, talk, and leave their seats as needed. Tickets to this performance are deeply discounted, and on sale now by calling (405) 848-TOES or at www.okcballet.org.
Additionally, Oklahoma City Ballet will host The Nutcracker Tea, a family-friendly fundraiser benefitting community engagement programs. Guests can purchase separate tickets for this event to enjoy treats, photos with their favorite Nutcracker characters, crafts, a special performance, and a visit from Santa. The Nutcracker Tea will be held in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall on Saturday, December 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets to “The Nutcracker Tea” are $50 and will go on sale November 15. Sponsorships are available now by calling 405-843-9898 or at okcballet.org.
One hour prior to each performance, the north lobby will open for guests to shop at The Nutcracker Boutique, featuring more than 70 different nutcrackers, holiday gifts, and Oklahoma City Ballet merchandise. The lobby will also include an interactive photo booth.
Performances of The Nutcracker will take place on Sat, Dec. 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sun, Dec. 15 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; Thurs, Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m.: Fri, Dec. 20 at 7:00 p.m.; Sat, Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sun, Dec. 22 at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.; and Mon, Dec. 23 at 2:00 p.m. with the sensory-friendly version on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased by calling Oklahoma City Ballet 405-848-TOES (8637), online at www.okcballet.org, or by calling the Civic Center Box office at 405-297-2264. All performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 North Walker, Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City Ballet Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at 6800 North Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City.
Season tickets are also on sale. For more information, tickets, and list of available performances, call 405-838-TOES (8637), visit okcballet.org, or follow Oklahoma City Ballet on social media @okcballet.