'Nutcracker' Coming to Eissey Theatre

"Nutcracker" (Photo: Janine Harris)

(PRESS RELEASE)_Oct. 27, 2022 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Just in time for the holidays, Paris Ballet and Dance will bring the spellbinding magic of The Nutcracker to The Palm Beaches! 

With performances at the 750-seat Eissey Campus Theatre slated for Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 (12:30 and 6:30 p.m. both days), tickets are $35 and selling fast. 

Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, the full-length production will feature thrilling choreography by the school’s founder and director Jean-Hugues Feray (a former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet), and showcase the talents of dozens of young dancers ages 3 to 18, plus two international guest artists dancing as Drosselmeyer and Mother Ginger. 

Don’t let their ages fool you—the young advanced and pre-professional dancers in Paris Ballet and Dance’s iteration of The Nutcracker bring a level of talent envied by seasoned professionals. With these high-caliber performances, there’s no need to hire dozens of out-of-town dancers—because the students are the shining stars.

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​“Paris Ballet and Dance’s production of The Nutcracker is the perfect show to enthrall, inspire and kick off the holiday season,” Feray said. “This beautiful story is truly a must-see show for all ages.” 

Now in its 12th year, the annual production has become a beloved family holiday tradition, featuring dazzling costumes, extraordinary sets (including a growing Christmas tree that doubles in height onstage) and phenomenal special effects. Audiences will be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland of sparkling snowfall, colorful flowers and splendid sweets. 

The production will feature pre-professional dancers from both Paris Ballet and Dance and the school’s prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet America, an elite training program for students preparing for dance careers. 

“This is a unique chance to see many of these exceptional dancers perform before they launch their professional dance careers or continue their training in college,” Feray said. “I am very proud of the hard work that our dedicated students put into their craft. This year, many of them—including some who hold lead roles—are bringing the performance to a whole new level.”

Based on the Alexandre Dumas adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the timeless ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who is given a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After encountering and defeating the Rat King, her beloved Nutcracker comes to life—as a real, handsome prince who guides her on an astounding journey through the incredibly bright and fantastic Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets.

Since the ‘40s, the ballet has grown exponentially in popularity and now serves as an iconic holiday tradition throughout the world. In fact—beginning this year, Paris Ballet and Dance’s director Jean-Hugues Feray will share his love for dance and expertise in French ballet by teaching masterclasses in pre-professional training programs across the country.

Tickets are $35. For tickets, call (561) 207-5900 or visit the Eissey Campus Theatre Box Office. 
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