Nevada Ballet Theatre Unveils a Dazzling New Era
By Debbie Hall
Las Vegas is about to unwrap a glittering new holiday tradition.
Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is bringing an all-new production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 13 to 28, marking a major milestone for the company and the local arts community. The highly anticipated 18-performance run debuts a fresh, glamorous look inspired by the Art Deco elegance of the 1930s—paired with Balanchine’s legendary choreography, state-of-the-art visuals, and a full dose of Las Vegas magic.
Audiences will rediscover beloved characters—Dewdrop, the Sugarplum Fairy, Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles—while young Marie and her Nutcracker Prince journey through the Land of the Sweets. With technological enhancements and sweeping Tchaikovsky orchestrations, this Nutcracker is at once timeless and thrillingly new.
And kicking it all off? Four opening-weekend performances accompanied live by the Las Vegas Philharmonic (Dec. 13-14), making this one of the most elevated Nutcracker experiences in the city’s history.
A Historic Season for NBT
Since its 1954 debut with New York City Ballet, Balanchine’s Nutcracker has become the definitive American holiday classic. Now, NBT joins a prestigious circle of U.S. ballet companies licensed to perform this iconic version.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring George Balanchine’s choreographic brilliance to the stage,” said NBT President & CEO Beth Barbre and Artistic Director Roy Kaiser. “Our hope is to create an enduring holiday tradition for decades to come—one that enchants Las Vegas audiences and nurtures the next generation of artists.”
This production features over 140 roles, danced by NBT’s professional company and 86 students from the School of Nevada Ballet Theatre. Kaiser notes, “As we celebrate 54 years of bringing dance to Las Vegas, this production represents our growth as we reach new heights in performances, training, and education.”
Vegas-Scale Spectacle: Art Deco Glamour Meets Cutting-Edge Tech
NBT tapped award-winning Scenic and Costume Designer Michael Raiford to create the production’s shimmering 1930s aesthetic—an homage to The Smith Center itself. The numbers behind the costume shop alone are pure Vegas excess:
- 1,500+ fabrics, trims, and notions
- 10,000+ rhinestones in the Snowflakes and Flowers scenes
- A nationwide team of artisans plus NBT’s own in-house makers
Adding even more wow factor is Projection Designer Aaron Rhyne, blending LED and HD projection mapping with traditional sets to create an immersive world that evolves around the dancers in real time. Kaiser promises: “It will be memorable, magical, and can only be seen in Las Vegas.”
A Community Investment That Shines
Barbre emphasizes that staging Balanchine’s Nutcracker on this scale is more than artistic ambition—it’s a long-term investment.
“As the most significant revenue-generating production in our repertoire, presenting this Nutcracker strengthens our company’s foundation and positions Las Vegas as a premier destination for the performing arts,” she said.
Special Thanks To Our Nutcracker Patrons for Their Commitment in Underwriting This Production
Presenting Sponsor & Lead Underwriter: E. L. Wiegand Foundation (In Loving Memory of Kristen Avansino), Madeleine & Don Andress, Bennett Family Foundation, Canarelli Family Foundation, Mark Davis, Mr. Guatam & Dr. Uma Desai, Diane & Kenny Epstein, The Houssels Family, Marilynn Mack IMO of Joyce Mack, The Mantis Family, Richard Plaster & Family, Stella Roy Foundation, Miriam Shearing and Sandee & Tito Tiberti.
Performance Schedule: Three Weekends of Holiday Magic
Opening Weekend with the Las Vegas Philharmonic
- Sat., Dec. 13 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 14 – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Additional Performances
- Wed., Dec. 17 – 7:30 p.m.
- Thurs., Dec 18 – 7:30 p.m.
- Fri., Dec. 19 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sat., Dec. 20 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 21 – 2 p.m.
- Tues., Dec. 23 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Wed., Dec. 24 – 2 p.m.
- Fri., Dec. 26 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sat., Dec. 27 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sun., Dec. 28 – 2 p.m.
Nutcracker Experiences at The Smith Center
Capture the holiday moment with themed Nutcracker photo ops in the lobby, courtesy of Cashman Photo.
Local choirs will fill the Grand Lobby with festive sounds before select performances, including:
Desert Spring UMC Bell & Vocal Choir, Alexander Dawson School, The Meadows School, Faith Lutheran students, Silver Statesmen Chorus, Keller Middle School Mariachi Program, Candle Bright Chorus, Grace City Opera Theatre, Truth Music, and Sun City Musicmakers.
For more than 50 years, Nevada Ballet Theatre has shaped the cultural landscape of Southern Nevada through performances, top-tier dance training, and extensive education programs. As a 501(c)(3) and the Resident Ballet Company of The Smith Center, NBT continues to elevate the performing arts community statewide.
Tickets for this highly anticipated ballet are on sale now and may be purchased online or by calling The Smith Center box office at 702-749-2000. Group experiences are also available for 10 or more and include priority seating and special discounts.
Follow on Facebook @ NevadaBalletTheatre, Instagram @ NVBallet, and X (formerly Twitter) @ NVBallet and visit www.nevadaballet.org.
