THE NUTCRACKER

It’s Back, Live on Stage!

November 26 – December 28, 2021

Marion Oliver McCaw Hall

321 Mercer Street at Seattle Center

Seattle, WA 98109

Streaming Digitally December 20 – 28

SEATTLE, WA – After a long, unexpected hibernation, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s sparkling production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^® returns to the stage for live performances this holiday season. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by the world famous PNB Orchestra, PNB Company dancers in show-stopping roles, bright young stars from the PNB School, unique-to-Seattle sets and costumes by Ian Falconer (creator of Olivia the Pig), and McCaw Hall’s lobbies decked out with the season’s best photo ops, PNB’s production is a holiday treasure for audiences young and old.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^® runs for 37 performances, November 26 through December 28, 2021 at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall. Tickets start at just $27. New this year, PNB is happy to offer a sensory-friendly matinee on December 21, designed to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for people with sensory-processing challenges to enjoy the performance. (See “2021 Performance Schedule,” below for details.) The Nutcracker will also stream digitally from December 20 through 28, for families and friends to watch from the comfort of home. Tickets for the digital access are $49. For tickets and additional information, contact the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, online at PNB.org, or in person at 301 Mercer St. (Be mindful of unauthorized online resellers: When purchasing tickets for PNB’s production of The Nutcracker, order directly through PNB for peace of mind.)

While the music and choreography remain the same, audiences will notice a new character making its debut on stage in 2021: When Balanchine choreographed The Nutcracker in 1954, he sought to showcase a global array of cultures, some of which can now be viewed as cultural appropriation. With permission from the George Balanchine Trust, PNB has sought to revise the Chinese divertissement: Elements of racial stereotyping were removed prior to PNB’s 2015 premiere and now, working closely with Phil Chan (co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface), PNB will be introducing the Green Tea Cricket in Act II. “Pet crickets are common and prized in Chinese culture, and Balanchine’s choreography seems wonderfully fitting for a high-flying cricket,” said PNB Artistic Director in his program notes. “We hope our audiences will welcome this charming new character.”

2021 NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

**Sensory-Friendly Performance                                                                                                         

PNB is happy to present an inclusive, sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker on Tuesday, December 21 at 2:00 pm. This matinee will feature a supportive environment to welcome children and adults affected by autism or with other sensory needs, so that they may share the experience of live ballet with friends and family. Modified lighting and sound levels, allowance of devices and fidgets, entry/exit privileges, trained staff, and designated quiet and activity areas will be offered at the performance.

TICKET INFORMATION & SPECIAL OFFERS

Tickets to PNB’s live and/or digital performances may be purchased through the PNB Box Office:

·         Phone – 206.441.2424

·         In Person – 301 Mercer Street at Seattle Center

·         Online (24/7) – PNB.org

(Tickets are also available – subject to availability – 90 minutes prior to each performance at McCaw Hall. In-person ticket sales at the McCaw Hall Box Office are subject to day-of-show increases. Advance tickets through the PNB Box Office are strongly suggested for lowest prices and greatest availability.)

Tickets for the live performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^® are $27 – $200 ($27 – $161 for children 14 and under. All ages require a ticket for admission, including babes-in-arms. For helpful hints and frequently asked questions about attending the ballet with children visit PNB.org/Community/PNB-Kids.) Some prices are subject to change.

Health & Safety: In accordance with King County regulations, PNB patrons 12 and older must be able to show proof that they are fully vaccinated at the time of their entry into the theatre and will also need photo ID upon entering McCaw Hall. All patrons must be masked. For details and more information, please visit PNB.org/Health.

The show must go on: Pacific Northwest Ballet is committed to honoring its performance calendar. Performances will not be cancelled for sleet, snow, or Seattle traffic. In the unlikely event that the status of a performance does change, an announcement will be posted on PNB.org.

Groups of ten or more may enjoy discounts up to 20% off regular prices: Contact Group Sales Manager Julie Jamieson at 206.441.2416 or JulieJ@PNB.org for ticketing assistance. (Discounts are not valid on lowest-priced tickets and may not be combined with other offers.)

Tickets for PNB’s digital-only presentation of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker^® are $49, and viewing access for the program is December 20 – 28.

NW