North America’s largest touring Nutcracker production will perform at the Crown Complex on Nov. 14 as part of their 32nd annual tour. The group averages 100 performances across North America during the holiday season and has been described by the LA Times as “Disarmingly poetic.”
Such high praise comes as no surprise given the rich history of Tchaikovsky’s classical ballet, reimagined with fresh additions such as acrobatics while still paying homage to the original intent. According to their website, the production is a multicultural masterpiece that “combines the highest caliber ballet with historic international theatrical traditions, 10-foot-tall playful puppets, 9 intricately hand-painted backdrops, and hundreds of exquisite costumes.”
Dan Talmi, Producer of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, says this year will see an incredible international cast featuring dancers from Tokyo and Rome, as well as local dancers from the Blume School of Dance who will participate in the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’s “Dance With Us” program.
Talmi described the Dance With Us program’s mission as giving American children an educational and theatrical opportunity to experience the arts with high-end practitioners from around the world. It begins with professional cast members traveling the U.S. and holding auditions with local studios. The local studios then maintain rehearsals until the day of the show, when local dancers rehearse at the theater with the entire cast and then perform that evening. Their involvement includes participating in traditional backstage preparations like wardrobe, makeup, and hair.
“It’s a big to-do,” Talmi explained.
He said the local dancers play snowflakes and mice in the party scene. These roles complement the professional cast and bring an “incredible energy and vitality” to the stage, according to Talmi. He described it as a “totally unique experience for local American kids” and said that their presence on the stage is “a very cute thing.”
Talmi said he thinks the event is something that can’t be reproduced virtually. “It’s not enough to get it through the screen.” He explained. The show took a two-year hiatus as a result of the Covid pandemic. Still, Talmi said he believed it has survived because people need human connection.
According to him, the production is about family, first memories, and going to the theater with grandparents, parents, and kids.
“The show is just kind of a vessel for that family, American experience."
He said watching the crowd react as the house goes dark and everyone gets excited for what’s to come is “the best feeling,” and added, “We’re just excited to get to production day!”
Viewers who want to extend the magic of watching the show can purchase add-ons with their tickets. Available add-ons include a cookie decorating pre-show experience, photos with a ballerina, and a branded souvenir.
The cookie decorating experience includes a hot chocolate bar with Christmas decor and music, along with supplies to decorate 3 cookies. Photos with a NUTCRACKER! Ballerina will occur before the show, during the intermission, and after the show. Digital, downloadable images will be available within 72 hours. The branded NUTCRACKER! souvenir is an official wooden nutcracker that the website describes as a perfect stocking stuffer. It can be ordered along with tickets and picked up at the show.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is Nov. 14, 7 p.m. at the Crown Complex. Tickets can be purchased at crowncomplexnc.com.

(Photo: Dancers perform in the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet)