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 compan