Richmond Ballet and its beloved holiday tradition The Nutcracker return to Dominion Energy Center December 9 through 23, with the Richmond Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.
Tickets to The Nutcracker start at $25. Tickets may be purchased online at RichmondBallet.com, by phone at 804.344.0906 x224 or in person at the Richmond Ballet Box Office, 407 East Canal Street, Monday – Friday, 11:00am – 6:00pm.
The Nutcracker
December 9-23, 2022 | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center
600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 11, 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Friday, December 16, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 18, 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 20, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21, 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 22, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, December 23, 2 p.m.
This year’s production features brand new scenery designed by Alain Vaës, new lighting designed by Richard Moore, a new Chinese dance choreographed by Ma Cong, and refreshed costumes.
This will be the first major update to Artistic Director Stoner Winslett’s production of The Nutcracker since 2003. Artistic Director Stoner Winslett, Scenic Designer Alain Vaës, Lighting Designer Richard Moore, and the Ballet’s artistic and production teams have been working on this project for the past four years. It took approximately one year for the soft sets to be painted, with most of the work being done in New York by Cobalt Studios. The hard sets were built and painted by Portsmouth’s Theatrical Builds, LLC. Richard Moore, who has worked with Winslett on every production of The Nutcracker since her first with Richmond Ballet in 1980, has designed all new lighting to complement the new scenery. The Ballet’s costume department has also spent the past several years rebuilding many of the Nutcracker costumes, so audiences can expect their favorite costumes to be even brighter this year.
As part of his first full season in Richmond, Associate Artistic Director Ma Cong has choreographed a new Chinese (Tea) dance for the second act’s Kingdom of Sweets. Based on the classic Chinese tale of NeZha, the choreography reflects the strength and athleticism of the young warrior who battles a dragon. Using his training from the Beijing Dance Academy, Cong melds elements of traditional Chinese folk dance with classical ballet in this exciting new divertissement.
“While all of the stunning new designs will delight with their vibrant colors and fantastical imagery, they extend from the same storybook vision for which our production is so beloved,” explains Winslett. “This has been a passion project of mine for many years now, and I cannot wait to welcome audiences to the theatre to experience this next magical evolution of The Nutcracker!”
“Is my child ready for The Nutcracker? What should we wear? Is it a good fit for younger kids?” Find out 
