Robert Joffrey's THE NUTCRACKER Begins Final Season with Joffrey Ballet Tonight

The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the 28th annual, and final, 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 4 - 27, 2015. Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon, who directed Broadway's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, is working on a new version for next year.

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.

The Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic Tchaikovsky score for every performance. The full Joffrey company is also joined onstage by 118 young dancers from the Chicagoland area -- dancing as Party Girls and Boys, Polichinelles (Mother Ginger's children), Battle Mice and Mounted Mice, Soldiers, Snow Tree Angels and Dolls -- and young vocalists from five different local children's choirs.

For its 2016-2017 season, The Joffrey Ballet has commissioned Christopher Wheeldon -- whose direction for Broadway's AN AMERICAN IN PARIS earned him the 2015 Tony Award for Best Choreography -- to re-envision a new NUTCRACKER to receive its World Premiere in December 2016. Wheeldon has presented several of his works with The Joffrey Ballet, including SWAN LAKE in 2014 and the Chicago Premiere of FOOL'S PARADISE during Joffrey's mixed repertory program "Millennials" this past fall.

"Robert Joffrey's THE NUTCRACKER has been an indelible trademark of The Joffrey Ballet's repertoire for twenty-eight strong years, added Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. As we continue to celebrate our 60th anniversary season honoring the company's countless milestones and continued growth, we're honored to commemorate this production's enduring legacy one final time with Chicago audiences and look forward to sharing a world premiere of a new Nutcracker in 2016."

The Joffrey Ballet performs THE NUTCRACKER at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 27. The full schedule is: Friday, Dec. 4, 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 pm and 7 pm; Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 pm; Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 pm; Friday, Dec. 11, 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 12, 2 pm and 7 pm; Sunday, Dec. 13, 1 pm and 6 pm; Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 pm; Friday, Dec. 18, 7 pm; Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 pm and 7 pm; Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 pm and 7 pm; Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2 pm and 7 pm; Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2 pm and 7 pm; Thursday, Dec. 24, 2 pm; Saturday, Dec. 26, 2 pm and 7 pm; and Sunday Dec. 27, 2 pm.

Tickets range from $32-$136 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.

This year, The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 60th company anniversary. Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.

The company's commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program including the much lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.

Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron. To learn more, visit Joffrey.org.

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