Joffrey Ballet's THE NUTCRACKER Runs Now thru 12/28

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the 27th annual presentation of Robert Joffrey's The Nutcracker, Chicago's most popular holiday tradition, in a 24-performance engagement at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, tonight, December 5 - 28.

When Robert Joffrey choreographed The Nutcracker in 1987, he replaced the traditional European setting with a 19th century American home, populating it with toys from his own childhood. From there, familiar characters Clara and the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer embark on an incredible adventure. Following a festive Christmas Eve celebration at the home of the Stahlbaums, Clara soon finds herself in the midst of a battle between a legion of mice and the heroic toy soldiers, led by the Nutcracker, where she unexpectedly saves the day. To reward her bravery, the Snow King and Queen whisk Clara (accompanied by her uncle Drosselmeyer) away to an enchanted forest and then the Kingdom of Sweets, where the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy delights them with an array of exotic dancing confections.

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. Joffrey Ballet Co-Founder Gerald Arpino contributed to Robert Joffrey's version, having choreographed the Land of the Snow scene, which closes Act I, and the Waltz of the Flowers in Act II.

The full Joffrey company is joined onstage by local children's choruses and over 118 young dancers from Chicago and beyond. The Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic Tchaikovsky score for every performance.

Tickets range from $32 to $134 and are available at The Joffrey Ballet's official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University box office, all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers, by telephone at (800) 982-2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2014-15 Season Sponsors and Partners. With special thanks to Presenting Corporate Sponsor, Wells Fargo; Presenting Sponsors, pamella roland and Fox Ford Lincoln; Co-Sponsors of the 2014-2015 Season: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago and NIB Foundation; New Work Presenting Sponsor, The Anne and Burt Kaplan Fund of the Mayer & Morris Kaplan Family Foundation; Official Airline, United Airlines; Official Provider of Physical Therapy, Athletico; Official Hotel, JW Marriott; and Official Health Club, Chicago Athletic Clubs. The Joffrey Ballet would also like to recognize the generous support of the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation.

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