The Nutcracker
Audience members follow Marie and her Nutcracker prince on an adventure through Christopher Wheeldon’s staging of the classic ballet, set amid the construction of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Following a battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, Marie journeys through snowy scenes to the fairgrounds accompanied by Tchaikovsky's score. The performance features diverse attractions including a Golden Statue, Venetian masked dancers, Chinese dragons, an Arabian enchantress, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
What to Expect
Christopher Wheeldon’s reimagining set amid the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Event Details
Duration
2 hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
The Loop
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The Joffrey Ballet
Food & Drink
The Florian offers food and a full bar before the performance, during intermission, and afterward.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Ballet fans and families with older children
Vibe
Magical and theatrical
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Low
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Fri, Dec 4: 7:00 pm; Sat, Dec 5: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sun, Dec 6: 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm; Thu, Dec 10: 7:00 pm; Fri, Dec 11: 7:00 pm; Sat, Dec 12: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sun, Dec 13: 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm; Wed, Dec 16: 7:00 pm; Thu, Dec 17: 7:00 pm; Fri, Dec 18: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sat, Dec 19: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sun, Dec 20: 1:00 pm, 6:00 pm; Tue, Dec 22: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Wed, Dec 23: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Thu, Dec 24: 2:00 pm; Sat, Dec 26: 2:00 pm, 7:00 pm; Sun, Dec 27: 1:00 pm.
- Accessibility: Lyric Opera House provides wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, automatic exterior doors, and assistive listening devices.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain: lobby doors open 1.5 hours beforehand, while theater doors open 30 minutes before the performance.
- Arrive on time, since latecomers and patrons leaving mid-performance are seated in a designated late-seating area until intermission.
- Plan dining around The Florian, which serves before performances, during intermission, and afterward; its full bar is also available.
- Ask about assisted-listening options if useful: FM, Telecoil loop, and Auracast are offered, with Auracast requiring compatible devices.
- Use the Patron Services Team to request a ticket exchange for another performance or donate tickets back to the Joffrey if plans change.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the performance?
The run time is 2 hours.
Who choreographed this version of The Nutcracker?
This production is choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.
Is food or drink available at the venue?
Yes, The Florian is a supper club located on the third floor of Lyric Opera House that offers food, a full bar, and service before the show, during intermission, and after performances.
Can I exchange my tickets if my schedule changes?
Yes, patrons may exchange tickets for another performance or donate them back to the Joffrey by contacting the Patron Services Team.
What assistive listening options are offered?
The venue offers FM and Telecoil loop assisted listening devices as well as Auracast assistive listening technology compatible with select hearing aids, cochlear implants, and earbuds.
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