The Nutcracker

Performance Details

  • When December 2–27, 2023
  • Where Lyric Opera House
  • Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon
  • Music Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
  • Running Time 2 hours

Witness the magical 1893 Chicago World’s Fair with young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince in Tony Award® winning choreographer Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. It’s a celebratory Christmas Eve, and thanks to a surprise visit from the enchanting Great Impresario, Marie embarks on a spellbinding adventure into a realm of spectacle and wonder. Experience our holiday magic in this must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation.

The mysterious Great Impresario brings the magic of the season to life.
The Joffrey’s beloved version of The Nutcracker takes inspiration from Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, one of the city’s great historical attractions of the late 19th century.

The Nutcracker Springs to Life

Meet the Creative Team

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.