The Nutcracker
Performance Details
- When December 3–27, 2022
- Where Lyric Opera House
- Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon
- Music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Running Time 2 hours
Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince, thanks to a visit from the charming but mysterious Great Impresario. At the stroke of midnight on a snowy Christmas Eve when the lines between fantasy and reality blur together, Marie sets out on an unforgettable journey through Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, a marvel of sights, sounds, and enchantment. This annual holiday tradition celebrates the magic of the season and the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. Pricing and availability vary by performance. All performances take place at Lyric Opera House.
Download Program Book
Joffrey leadership welcomes you to 'The Nutcracker', with additional notes and insights from the artists.

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Praise for The Nutcracker

”Pure winter magic. The Joffrey Ballet’s altogether unique production of The Nutcracker has never looked more glorious or been danced more ideally.“

“Carefully altered for its transplant to the Lyric Opera House, the holiday favorite still feels fresh and spontaneous.”

“A palpable sense of excitement filled the Lyric Opera’s lobbies as families dressed in their holiday finest filed in for the opening matinee of Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker.”
The Nutcracker Springs to Life



Meet the Artists
Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon OBE
The Tony Award®-winning choreographer continues to create and stage productions for many of the world’s major ballet companies.
Composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Born in 1840, Tchaikovsky is widely considered one of the most popular composers of his time.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship
Commissioning Sponsors
- Margot and Josef Lakonishok
- Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust
- Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa
- The many “Believers”