Photo Flash: The Houston Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER

Snowflakes. Sword fights. Dancing dolls. And a Christmas tree that reaches the sky. Stanton Welch's opulent new production promises everything you love about THE NUTCRACKER, brighter and more splendid than ever.

In this, the most traditional tale, Clara and Drosselmeyer travel together to the Land of the Sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy is reunited with her prince - and where the magic happens. With grand sets and stunning costumes, THE NUTCRACKER features the entire company of dancers playing hundreds of fun and exciting new roles.

Photos by Amitava Sarkar

Melody Mennite as Clara and the cast of THE NUTCRACKER.

The cast of THE NUTCRACKER.

Mackenzie Richter in THE NUTCRACKER.

Melody Mennite as Clara in THE NUTCRACKER.

Melody Mennite as Clara in THE NUTCRACKER.

The cast of THE NUTCRACKER.

The cast of THE NUTCRACKER.

Melody Mennite as Clara in THE NUTCRACKER.

The cast of THE NUTCRACKER.