Ballet West "Nutcracker" battle scene. (Ryan Galbraith)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Nutcracker in Salt Lake City is America’s first and longest-running version performed, introduced by Ballet West’s founder Willam Christensen.
Christensen first introduced the American version of the performance to SLC in 1955, and since then it’s remained a centerpiece of holiday festivities within the city.
This holiday season the two-act ballet production will run until Dec. 24 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, according to a press release from the ballet company.
“The Nutcracker is all about families and tradition,” said Artistic Director Adam Sklute. “We have dancers in The Nutcracker whose parents, grandparents, and even in one case, great-grandparents, who have danced in The Nutcracker.”
Each cast of children runs for one week, with 75 children in every performance said the release. More than 300 children participate in the overall production.
“Hundreds of children from multiple states around the Intermountain Region audition for the opportunity to perform in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker,” said Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute.
Furthermore, the performance includes Ballet West Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s moving score live, fairytale sets and iconic costumes.
Back in 2017, the production undertook a complete redesign with new costumes, sets and special effects.
Additionally, Ballet West is hosting Nutcracker Tea, a Children’s Gala on Dec. 21 at The Grand America Hotel. This interactive gala will include characters from the Nutcracker performance.
For more information on upcoming performances and the Children’s Gala, click here, or call (801) 869-6900.
The Salt Lake City production is the longest-running in the United States. (Ryan Galbraith Photography)
