With all the options for holiday entertainment in Oklahoma City, choosing the right one can be daunting. Families should look no further than Oklahoma City Ballet and their annual holiday production of The Nutcracker to usher in the spirit of the season.
Everything about The Nutcracker is iconic. From the recognizable compositions by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to the shimmery costumes, the colorful sets, and the magical storyline, each moment is unmissable and simply gorgeous. This ballet introduces a frolicking dreamland of Christmas wonder, and audiences are especially in for a treat this year.
“It’s our bread and butter,” said Lestari Kusumawardani, Marketing Manager for OKC Ballet. Executive Director Jo Lynne Jones confirmed the sentiment Friday night, speaking before an invited preview at the Civic Center. “The Nutcracker helps us keep the lights on all year,” Jones said.
OKC Ballet staff gave an exclusive backstage tour for media members before the preview performance.
The glimpse behind the curtain revealed all the hustle and bustle of opening night. The last hour before the curtain goes up is perhaps the most exciting time in any production, and that is especially true with this one.
Thanks to a generous donation from Devon Energy, 2024’s The Nutcracker features new costumes and set designs that give the performance a fresh, bright look. The result is a production that feels new and ready for an exciting run of performances. The updated yet familiar dance is a wonder to behold as it invites audiences into The Land of Sweets, a world of Christmas charm and whimsy.
Principal dancer Courtney Connor Jones is angelic and breathtaking as the Sugar Plum Fairy, making Christmas wishes come true with every step she takes. A particular standout moment of the show is the Pistachio Baklava scene, which has been redesigned and features new costumes this year. Dancers Gabrielle Mengden and Oslanial Castillo bring a certain charm and otherworldly enchantment to this number.
The Nutcracker has become a staple of live performances in Oklahoma City, and it has been presented by the ballet company every year since 1979. Many patrons can’t remember a time without it. It has inspired an entire generation of dancers and art appreciators ever since. Under Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, the all-new production features all the iconic moments that audiences wait all year to see.
Featuring the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Conducted by David Commanday, The Nutcracker is a collaboration like none other. The Canterbury Youth Voices also get their moment to shine during the performance. Conducted by Susan Pendergraft under Artistic Director Julie Yu, they make a special guest appearance in one of the most memorable scenes of the night.
This holiday tradition is just enough to get families in the spirit of the season. It’s a classical ballet with well-known music and it’s Christmas-y without feeling too holly jolly. The dance feels more like a fairytale than a department store commercial. Those who don’t get too excited about Christmas shows can rest easily. The Nutcracker strikes a beautiful scene from start to finish and it provides a welcome breather from more over-produced and garish holiday tropes.
The nostalgia of the ballet at Christmas is enough to bring audiences back year after year. Thanks to an updated production, and the ever-steady commitment of talented performers and technicians, The Nutcracker feels new and alive all over again this holiday season.
Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is sure to sell out. It runs through December 23rd, 2024 at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets are limited but are still available at okcballet.org.
The Tchaikovsky Season continues with Swan Lake, running February 7-16, 2025 at the Civic Center.
Oklahoma City Ballet is also presenting an exciting, brand-new ballet choreographed to the music of The Flaming Lips during their annual production of Shorts next May. Single tickets for 2025 are on sale now.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.