For many families across the state, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without Ballet Arkansas’ “Nutcracker Spectacular.” The beloved production is the largest and longest-running holiday performance in Arkansas and one of Little Rock’s most significant tourism events, drawing more than 10,000 patrons over a single weekend.
This December, the tradition returns to the Robinson Center with the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas joined by a community cast of nearly 300 children and adults in a heartfelt celebration of the season.
Photo Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell
Set to Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Maestro Geoffrey Robson, the production captures the magic and nostalgia that have made it a staple of Arkansas’ performing arts landscape. The Mount St. Mary Academy Choir will also be featured, adding to the richness of the musical experience.
Evening audiences can look forward to a special moment during intermission, when Santa Claus himself will read Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas,” a touch of wonder that has become a favorite element of the event.
Photo Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell
Performances will be held Friday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
The show runs approximately 120 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission between acts. Tickets range from $20 to $100 and are available now at balletarkansas.org/tickets, by calling the Robinson Center Box Office at (501) 244-8800 or by visiting the box office.
Photo Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to visit Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Boutique in the Robinson Center lobby, which opens one hour before each public performance. Proceeds from holiday merchandise sales help support the maintenance and enhancement of the production’s elaborate sets, props and costumes, ensuring the tradition continues for future generations.
Photo opportunities with Santa will be available during evening performances, along with festive encounters with costumed characters throughout the weekend.
Photo Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell
Photos Courtesy of Ballet Arkansas and Matthew Sewell
READ ALSO: Park Plaza, Rotary Club Donate 200 Build-A-Bear Toys to Red Cross
