The Nutcracker – Courtesy of Moonbug. Photography. Used with permission.
The Nutcracker, first performed in 1892, endures as one of the great treasures of classical ballet—a work that has charmed audiences across generations with its enchanting blend of music, movement, and visual spectacle. Now an Indy tradition, I witnessed the Indianapolis Ballet production, accompanied by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by ISO assistant conductor Hannah Schendel, on Saturday, Dec. 20. at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University.
— Courtesy of Moonbug. Photography. Used with permission.
The ballet is set to the iconic score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, whose compositions—from the sparkling Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the energetic Russian Trepak—have become synonymous with the holiday season. Tchaikovsky’s orchestration is masterful, weaving together lush melodies and lively rhythms that evoke wonder, excitement, and nostalgia in equal measure.
The story centers around young Clara, who receives a wooden nutcracker from her mysterious godfather, Drosselmeyer, at a festive Christmas Eve party. In the IB version, the setting is the parlor of Indy’s near northside, historic Butler-Morris House. As midnight strikes, Clara finds herself swept into a fantastical adventure: the nutcracker springs to life to defend her from the monstrous Mouse King, leading an army of toy soldiers in a dramatic battle. Their victory ushers in a magical transformation—Clara’s living room becomes a glittering winter wonderland, complete with swirling snowflakes and dancers who move as if caught in a gentle blizzard.
The Nutcracker – Courtesy of Moonbug. Photography. Used with permission.
In the second act, Clara and the Nutcracker—now revealed as a handsome prince—journey to the Land of Sweets, a dazzling realm presided over by the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy. Here, the ballet shines as a showcase of international dances, each performed in tribute to Clara’s bravery: the Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Candy Cane, and the elegant Waltz of the Flowers. These divertissements not only display a wide range of choreography styles—from the precise footwork of classical ballet to the spirited jumps of folk dance—but also allow the company’s dancers to demonstrate their technical prowess and dramatic artistry.
IB’s Nutcracker dazzled with ornate costumes and appealing set designs. Clara’s Victorian party dress, the soldiers’ crisp uniforms, and the Sugar Plum Fairy’s shimmering tutu sparkled. Set changes transported the audience from a cozy parlor to a moonlit forest and finally to a fantastical palace, each crafted to immerse viewers in the ballet’s magical world.
The Nutcracker Ballet — Courtesy of Moonbug. Photography. Used with permission.
The cast brought the story to life with vivid characterizations: Standing out was Cecelia Freeman as Clara, who effectively captured the young heroine’s curiosity and innocence. Turning in a stunning performance was soloist Sierra Levin, who danced the role of the Snow Queen. Beautifully partnered with her was Marlon Frometa as the Snow King. Impeccable as they danced the Grande Pas de Deux in Act 2 was Jessica MIller as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Logan O’Neal as her Cavalier.
Worthy of note in the Act 2 divertissements was Glen Moretta as Mother Courage, who skillfully navigated his character’s immense gown from which the Polichinelles emerged. An absorbing performance was that of Brigette Duffin as the Marzipan Lead and the Marzipan dancers themselves. They included Elaina de Fonte, Naya Nara, Macyn Vogt, and Elaina de Fonte.
One of my favorite sequences was the Waltz of the Flowers scene that closed the ballet. Displaying exceptional technique and artistry were Jane Gordon as the Dew Drop Fairy and Ava Bernado and Journie Callas as the Flower Demi Soloists. Flawless as the Flowers were Abigail Einterz, Ana Graczyk, Lily Han, Natalie Higle, Kacy Foster, Maya Jacobsen, Paris McPherson, Allison Smith, Claire White, and Nara Yara.
The Nutcracker’s enduring legacy lies not only in its artistic achievement but also in its role as a beloved tradition. The ballet’s universal themes of imagination, transformation, and triumph continue to resonate. The Indianapolis Ballet production, one of numerous ones I have seen over my 40 years as a reviewer, remains an essential experience. It was truly a sumptuous feast for the senses and a celebration of wonder, inspiring both children and adults to believe in the extraordinary.
For tickets and information about the 2025-2026 season visit Indianapolis Ballet.
