For nearly 40 years, Ballet Memphis has been putting on The Nutcracker. Year after year, the professional company along with the Ballet Memphis School, Youth Ballet Memphis, and children from all over the Mid-South relive the tale of young Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. “This is Memphis’ Nutcracker,” says Steven McMahon, Ballet Memphis’ artistic director.
Over the years, of course, there have been changes here and there. As recently as 2023, McMahon says, “It was time for us to renew the sets, the costumes, the choreography, and make an updated version of it. And so when I did that, I decided to shift the party scene that happens in Act I, which is historically in a house, to take place at this fictional holiday market that could maybe happen down by the river. So you see the river with a big river boat in the background, and it’s just a little nod to Memphis.”
And this year, the opening scene of Act II will feature Gum Drops and Cotton Candy, roles filled by student dancers. It’s a scene that’s usually features only company members.
More than 70 youth are participating in this year’s performance. “I’m always excited to see the kids, the young people,” McMahon says. “It’s such a big moment for them. For a lot of them, it’s the first time that they ever get a real big theatrical experience. There’s nothing quite like performing on a big stage, especially at the Orpheum. It’s so beautiful. … We’re building, hopefully, a lifelong love of dance. These memories will be with them for a long time.
“And then for audience, it’s The Nutcracker, right? It comes back every year, and for so many people, this is a family tradition, a holiday tradition, a way of marking the arrival of the holidays.” As such, all the dancers, professionals included, McMahon says, “know what it means for them to [be a part of this production]. So I’m always just happy to see a community spirit come out of being part of The Nutcacker.”
Truly an event that “takes a village,” Ballet Memphis’ Nutcracker taps the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, featuring the AngelStreet Memphis Choir, to play Tchaikovsky’s score for the four performances.
“It’s our largest production that we do every year,” McMahon says. “If you haven’t seen it before, take a little leap and do it. It’s a couple of hours where you get to see really something beautiful; you get to hear beautiful live music. It’s just a time to just to be together and to see a little bit of magic.”
Purchase tickets at balletmemphis.com/nutcracker.
The Nutcracker, Orpheum Theatre, 203 South Main Street, Friday-Saturday, December 12-13, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday, December 13-14, 2 p.m., $35.90-$99.15.