Montreal’s own holiday tradition

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ performance of

The Nutcracker

No season would be complete without The Nutcracker!  This timeless ballet tells the adventures of little Clara and her nutcracker in an enchanted kingdom filled with sweets and marvelous characters. With Les Grands Ballets Orchestra.

On Christmas Eve, the entire family gathers together to celebrate at the home of little Clara. Her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, gives her a beautiful wooden nutcracker, which her brother Fritz breaks in a fit of jealousy. Fortunately, her godfather, who is also a bit of magician, is able to repair it. During the night, after everyone has gone to bed, Clara returns to the parlour to check on her beloved nutcracker. Suddenly, mice and rats invade the room and begin to battle with an army of tin soldiers. Clara is now in danger. Her nutcracker comes to life and flies to her rescue, transforming into a Prince Charming. He leads her to the Land of Snow and then to the Kingdom of Sweets, where she has a magical adventure with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

A production like no other
Created in 1964 for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, this adaptation of the Hoffmann tale by Quebec dancer choreographer Fernand Nault (1920-2006) is among the most beautiful in existence. It is performed by some one hundred dancers, with sumptuous sets designed by Peter Horne, scintillating costumes by François Barbeau, and lighting by Nicholas Cernovitch.

Recommended minimum age: 5 years old

Reading the Tale
As a prelude to The Nutcracker, one hour before each performance, children are invited to the book reading of Hoffmann’s tale, after which the “Mouse of the Day” will be randomly selected. The lucky winner will then dress up as a mouse and appear on stage at the Place des arts in the first act, joining the dancers and playing the role of a mouse. Admission is free for all ticket holders. A great way to start the evening!

For tickets and information: www.laplacedesarts.com  514-842-2112 or 1-866-842-2112

For more information on Les Grands Ballets Canadiens please visit : grandsballets.com/en/

The Nutcracker Fund for children

The Nutcracker Fund for Children offers 2,800 underprivileged and sick children a chance to attend a free performance of The Nutcracker and to participate in educational workshops. The Fund also helps with the various aspects of the production of The Nutcracker, such as the annual renewal of the sets and costumes. So far, 24,600 children have experienced this unique holiday magic, thanks to generous contributions from businesses and individuals. A crowdfunding campaign is taking place this Fall in order to contribute to the Nutcracker Fund for Children. The goal is to reach $20,000. Visit www.fondscassenoisette.com and share the magic of The Nutcracker.