Follow Us

Completely New, Forever Enchanting: Alberta Ballet's New Production of The Nutcracker

Calgary/Edmonton, AB - This December, Alberta Ballet is proud to premiere its new production of The Nutcracker, the most massive and lavish it has ever mounted. In fact, it is one of the largest theatrical productions ever mounted in the province. Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, Canada's new production of The Nutcracker is "the most important premiere in Alberta Ballet's history," says Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître.

Alberta Ballet has been performing the same version of The Nutcracker for 14 years, beginning with Ali Pourfarrokh's interpretation in 1995. Mikko Nissinen added new choreography to the ballet in 2000, but sets and costumes remained the same. After his acclaimed creation of Alice in Wonderland in 2006, Stripe was asked by Grand-Maître to re-choreograph The Nutcracker. Stripe's new production will be highlighted with beautiful new costumes and sets designed by the Emmy Award-winning Zack Brown. Over the past two years, thousands of hours of work have gone into the new production of this much-loved holiday classic, which carries a budget of $1.5 million.

"It was time for a new version of The Nutcracker," says Stripe. "It's a wonderful opportunity and a big responsibility. It's a bit scary, but also very exciting."

The newest production of The Nutcracker in Canada comes with some impressive statistics. Over 60 people in shops across North America have been working on this new production. Set pieces boast over 100 casters and 3,000 feet of steel. The walls used in Act Two feature 1,000 wooden rosettes and 3,000 jewels, which are all glued on by hand.

The Nutcracker costume and set designer Zack Brown has designed for over 150 dance, musical, opera, theatre and television productions. Each costume designed by Brown for the performance is hand-worked, making them all one-of-a-kind pieces even if they are one of a group. A single costume can take up to five months to create.

Stripe is eager to bring the benefits of this partnership to Alberta arts lovers, calling it, "one of the most inspirational experiences of [his] choreographic career." Stripe is confident that audiences will be charmed by the new The Nutcracker.

The all-new production of The Nutcracker premieres in Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium with five shows from December 11 to 14 and in Calgary with eight shows from December 17 to 22 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. All performances feature live orchestral accompaniment by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

To purchase tickets in Edmonton, phone 780-451-8000, or in Calgary at 403-299-8888.

About Alberta Ballet:
Alberta Ballet, a not-for-profit organization, is Canada's third-largest ballet company. Since its formation in 1966, its eclectic, bold and youthful programming has wowed audiences and critics alike around the world. Considered one of the most successful Canadian choreographers of his generation, Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître has built a rich repertoire that includes the ballets of such masters as George Balanchine and Rudi van Dantzig, as well as original works; including the critically acclaimed Joni Mitchell’s The Fiddle & The Drum, a collaboration with legendary music artist Joni Mitchell.

Calgary media contact:

Samantha Garner, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
P: 403-245-4222 ext. 529 | E: samanthag@albertaballet.com
Gail Helmer, Director of Marketing and Communications
P: 403-245-4222 ext. 545 | E: gailh@albertaballet.com