Magic, surprises and standout moments make each of these Orange County Nutcracker performances different from the next.
Since its U.S. debut in 1944 with the San Francisco Ballet under the direction of Willam Christensen, “The Nutcracker” has become a quintessential holiday ritual, beloved for its sweeping score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky and its delightful story of magic, adventure and sweets. Though the ballet originated in Russia in 1892, it wasn’t until that pivotal production nearly 80 years ago that “The Nutcracker” began its reign as an American cultural phenomenon. Today, it’s hard to imagine December without sugar plum fairies pirouetting across the stage and mischievous mice scurrying through snowy forests.
But not all “Nutcrackers” are created equal. While the story may be familiar, each production offers its own unique charm – be it jaw-dropping special effects, unexpected twists in the choreography, or a cozy local spin that makes the experience feel all the more special. This holiday season, Orange County is brimming with “Nutcracker” magic, with performances from world-class companies and homegrown talent alike.
Here’s a closer look at five productions happening in Orange County – and the distinctive flair each one brings to this beloved tradition.
PHOTO 1: ABT principal dancer Cassandra Trenery as Clara the Princess in ABT’s “The Nutcracker.” PHOTOS 2-3: The ABT company onstage in performances of “The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. PHOTO 4: ABT dancer Chloe Misseldine, 22, promoted to principal in July 2024, will star as Clara the Princess. Photos courtesy of Segerstrom Center for the Arts
American Ballet Theatre: The Company’s Newest Star Makes Her Debut as Clara the Princess
This holiday season, the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) returns to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Alexei Ratmansky’s rendition of “The Nutcracker.” Ratmansky's choreography breathes new life into the classic tale, introducing imaginative twists such as a grown-up Clara, the Princess, who embarks on a magical journey with her Nutcracker Prince.
Adding to the excitement, ABT's rising star, Chloe Misseldine, will make her debut as Clara, the Princess, during the evening performance on Saturday, Dec. 14. Misseldine’s promotion to principal dancer was announced on stage by artistic director Susan Jaffe following a matinee performance of “Swan Lake” in July 2024 – a rare and celebratory moment in the ballet world. Her ascent within ABT has been swift and impressive, marking her as a dancer to watch.
“I am so excited to debut Clara this coming ‘Nutcracker’ season with ABT,” Misseldine said. “Ratmansky’s pas de deux is just one of the most beautiful ‘Nutcracker’ pas de deux I have ever seen and when I went to go see ABT perform this production back in 2012, it was one of the most magical experiences I ever experienced, so to be able to perform it now as a principal dancer is just so exciting and so amazing.”
The production at Segerstrom Center for the Arts also features 44 students from around the county, many who train at the ABT Gillespie School on the Segerstrom campus.
"Working with these young dancers on ‘The Nutcracker’ is a joy,” said children’s rehearsal director Sarah Jones in a prepared statement. “Each rehearsal brings new energy and dedication, and it's wonderful to see them embrace the magic of the story. Our students put their hearts into every step, and their passion shines on stage."
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
When: Various times, Dec. 12-22
Cost: Starting at $32.77
Contact: 714-556-2787, scfta.org
PHOTO 1: New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia in Festival Ballet Theatre’s 2023 production of “The Nutcracker.” PHOTO 2-3: Dancers in Festival Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” onstage at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Photos courtesy of Festival Ballet Theatre/Skye Schmidt
Festival Ballet Theatre: Homegrown Talent Meets World-Class Artistry
Festival Ballet Theatre (FBT), Orange County's esteemed local company, has long been celebrated for its enchanting “Nutcracker” performances. Under the visionary leadership of artistic director Salwa Rizkalla, FBT masterfully blends local talent with internationally acclaimed guest artists, creating a production that resonates with both community warmth and professional excellence.
“Each year, I invite principal guest artists to perform the grand pas de deux, not only to delight our audiences but also to show my company and students the level of artistry they can achieve through years of dedication and hard work,” FBT artistic director Rizkalla said. “These guest artists serve as role models, setting a high standard for everyone in our company and inspiring my students to reach their full potential.”
This year's “Nutcracker” has a distinguished list of guest performers from Oklahoma City Ballet, New York City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Houston Ballet and Boston Ballet, some of whom have returned for multiple years.
Back this year after performing in 2017, 2018 and 2023 is Tiler Peck, a principal dancer with New York City Ballet renowned for her technical prowess and expressive artistry. She will dance the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with Roman Mejia, also from New York City Ballet, who will perform as her Cavalier.
"I find it extremely important to guest with companies like Festival Ballet because not everyone has the opportunity to come to New York City to watch professional dancers,” Peck said. “My hope is that I can inspire the dancers I share the stage with to continue shooting for their dreams and maybe even inspire a few audience members to want to start dancing. I remember how much it meant to me to see and meet dancers I idolized, so I hope I can be a small part in their journey."
Another notable returner is Tyler Donatelli, a former student of Rizkalla who has since advanced to the Houston Ballet. This will be her first year back at home to perform for the Sugar Plum Fairy role with FBT.
"Returning to Festival Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ to perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy feels like a full-circle moment,” Donatelli said. “Salwa (Rizkalla)’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’ was a constant source of inspiration throughout my childhood and played a pivotal role in my dream of becoming a professional ballerina. Now, after nearly a decade, I’m excited to perform for those who helped shape my journey and, hopefully, inspire the next generation of dancers.”
Festival Ballet Theatre brings together the grace of homegrown talent and the brilliance of world-class artists, offering a performance that is both intimate and grand.
Where: Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
When: Various times, Dec. 7-24
Cost: Starting at $54
Contact: festivalballet.org
Photos of Anaheim Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The company performs annually at the City National Grove of Anaheim and Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and Casino. Photos courtesy of Anaheim Ballet
Anaheim Ballet: Bringing The Nutcracker to Nevada for Over Three Decades
For 36 years, Anaheim Ballet has brought the magic of “The Nutcracker” to audiences not only in Orange County but also to the riverfront town of Laughlin, Nevada. This longstanding tradition began when Don Laughlin, the town’s namesake, invited the ballet to perform, and it has since become an annual highlight for the community.
“We’re still thrilled with the ever-present positive audience reception,” says artistic director Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg, who choreographed the production. Rosenberg continues to keep the ballet fresh by incorporating new elements each year by adding a new character, updating a set piece, even a plot twist.
“The goal is to keep the ballet a classic gem, evolving in its physical presentation but evergreen in its message,” Rosenberg said.
The Nevada performances are a full-scale operation, involving 55 dancers and additional backstage crew, wardrobe personnel, and even drivers for the two 20-foot trucks that transport sets and costumes. Beyond the logistics, Anaheim Ballet director Larry Rosenberg emphasizes the unique energy of these shows.
“Laughlin audiences have less access to live performing arts experiences, so our dancers know they are bringing a first-time theater experience to many, and they take that responsibility seriously. At the same time, it’s like returning to a home theater since half the audiences there are familiar returnees, Anaheim Ballet’s extended Nutcracker family.”
Whether in its home venue at City National Grove or on tour, Anaheim Ballet offers a vibrant, community-centered “Nutcracker” that is fun for new audiences and loyal fans alike.
Where: Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort and Casino,1650 S. Casino Drive, Laughlin, Nevada (City National Grove appearances have passed)
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 12-14 and 3 p.m. Dec. 14-15
Cost: Child $17-$19; General $36-$42
Contact: anaheimballet.org/nutcracker
Dancers from Ballet Project OC, an emerging company based in Orange County. This year it will present “The Nutcracker Suite,” which includes excerpts from the full length ballet. Photos courtesy Ballet Project OC
Ballet Project OC: Debuting ‘The Nutcracker Suite’ with a Personal Touch
Ballet Project OC is an emerging ballet company started by Ally Helman. The company is making its first foray into the holiday tradition with its debut production of “The Nutcracker Suite,” offering an intimate and interactive take on the classic ballet. Instead of the show beginning once everyone takes their seats, Ballet Project OC hopes to bring audiences closer to the story with a creative twist: an immersive party scene in the lobby of the Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center.
Guests are invited to step into the world of “The Nutcracker” as they mingle with characters like Clara, children dancers and maids during a festive gathering. From there, Clara leads the audience into the theater, where the production unfolds with highlights like a Snow Scene performed by 12 dancers and a second act featuring the beloved divertissements and Grand Pas de Deux.
The 1-hour-and-20-minute production is thoughtfully scaled to balance the magic of the full-length ballet with a format that’s accessible and welcoming for families and first-time audiences. Ballet Project OC’s debut adds a fresh, personal touch to the “The Nutcracker” tradition, creating a uniquely engaging experience for its community.
Where: Yorba Linda Cultural Arts Center, 4802 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 20-21; 3 p.m. Dec. 21-22
Cost: $50
Contact: balletprojectoc.org
Long Beach Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” features lavish sets, live animals, flying angels and pyrotechnics. Photos courtesy of Long Beach Ballet.
Long Beach Ballet: A Nutcracker Tradition with Spectacular Flourishes
For over four decades, the Long Beach Ballet has enchanted audiences with its opulent production of “The Nutcracker,” under the direction of artistic director David Wilcox. This annual spectacle is renowned for its grandeur and meticulous attention to detail, offering a truly immersive experience that sets it apart from other renditions.
“I like using the beauty of the classical art form of ballet, which has taken 500 years to develop to the level that it is today, to form a production that’s enticing and exciting,” Wilcox said in an interview in 2021. “It has pyrotechnics. It has magic. It’s got everything I can think of to make it thrilling. This production is not just for people who like ballet. You can hate ballet and you’ll still like this production.”
One of the production's most distinctive features is the inclusion of live animals, notably a real horse that adds a touch of authenticity and wonder to the performance. The use of on-stage pyrotechnics is also used to enhance the magical atmosphere. And finally, the accompanying full symphony orchestra features two harps, a rarity, to ensure that the music resonates with the richness and depth that Tchaikovsky intended.
With a cast of over 200 performers, the Long Beach Ballet's “The Nutcracker” is a testament to the company's commitment to delivering a lavish and unforgettable holiday experience.
Where: Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
When: 2 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and 21-22; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and Dec. 20-21
Cost: Starting at $38
Contact: longbeachnutcracker.com
