Nutcracker Returns to Vancouver December 9 – 11, 2022

Ballet BC is delighted to once again welcome Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage with their iconic, distinctly Canadian retelling of Nutcracker, December 9 – 11, 2022.

Danced to a beautiful score by Tchaikovsky, this magical story follows the beloved adventures of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they battle an evil Mouse King and visit the enchanted world of the Sugar Plum Fairy. With 250 costumes meticulously designed by costume designer Paul Daigle, choreographer Galina Yordanova leads a team of 39 talented dancers who each wear three to eight costumes. Brian Perchaluk, the scenic designer in charge of transforming The Queen Elizabeth Theatre into a winter wonderland, was a Gemini Award-winner before designing Nutcracker, which was his first Royal Winnipeg Ballet production.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet adds traditional Canadian elements to this classic tale such as changing the toy soldiers to Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and including scenes like a snowy pond hockey game, and a battle on Parliament Hill.

“It’s very meaningful to present the first Nutcracker production at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in more than three years,” says Medhi Walerski, Ballet BC Artistic Director. “It gives us reason to gather and celebrate reconnecting with one another through rich storytelling and that timeless Tchaikovsky score. The talent of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet promises to impress as they bring everyone’s favourite holiday characters to life onstage once again.”

Choreography by Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Costume Design by Paul Daigle, Scenic Design by Brian Perchaluk, Lighting Design by Michael J. Whitfield.

Nutcracker performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre run December 9/10/11 (7:30pm performance on December 9, 1pm and 6:30pm performances December 10 and 11). Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at balletbc.com.