Sugar plum fairies will dance in your head to an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky. It’s a beloved tradition for those who never otherwise see a ballet. Since 1981, Nevada Ballet Theatre has presented The Nutcracker for Christmas. The company continues the tradition with expanded dates and amenities. Before each show, live choirs will sing in the lobby, and guests can explore a “bonus experience” at the Nutcracker Wonderland. Select performances feature a live orchestra.
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The classic ballet is choreographed by NBT’s former artistic director, James Canfield. The set features a life-size four-story dollhouse and a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree. The ballet follows young Clara, who receives a lifelike nutcracker for Christmas. At the stroke of midnight, he turns into a prince and leads her on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. There, snowflakes waltz and candies from around the globe dance for her delight.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful production,” says Emma McGirr, who dances in the lead role of Clara. “The scale is so magnificent. It’s so family-friendly and such a production. Everybody leaves so happy, which is why we do it. It’s part of the holidays.” December 9-24, Smith Center’s Reynolds Hall, $29-$179, 702-749-2000.
