The Joffrey Ballet announces the return of two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker this holiday season. For the first time since its World Premiere in 2016, The Nutcracker features reimagined projections by projection designer Daniel Brodie that plunge audiences into the history of Chicago’s World’s Fair with brand new, immersive visuals. New features also include a three-dimensional Golden Statue (upgraded from two dimensions in previous years). A beloved family tradition where history and dreams intertwine, The Nutcracker is a fantastical adventure that engages Chicago's rich cultural heritage and the wonder of the season. The Nutcracker will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in 27 performances, from December 4–27, 2026.
In addition, The Joffrey Ballet launches a brand-new 2-show subscription package that provides up to 25% savings when audiences purchase tickets to both Christopher Wheeldon productions this season, including The Nutcracker (December 4-27, 2026) and The Sleeping Beauty (May 13-23, 2027), with an additional three dates added to The Sleeping Beauty’s regular two-week run. Learn more about Christopher Wheeldon here. Subscription packages start at $86 and are available starting October 1 at joffrey.org.
The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty will feature live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker | December 4–27, 2026
Choreographer: ©Christopher Wheeldon | Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
This holiday season, step into the spellbinding world where history and dreams intertwine. Join Marie and her Nutcracker prince on a fantastical adventure in Christopher Wheeldon’s kaleidoscopic reimagining of The Nutcracker, set amid the wonder of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
On a magical Christmas Eve, after awakening to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and the Rat King, a flurry of snowflakes sweeps Marie away on a whirlwind journey to the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World’s Columbian Exposition. Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, experience sprawling attractions from around the globe: the radiant Golden Statue, the mystique of an Arabian enchantress, vibrant Venetian masked dancers, Chinese dragons, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
With gratitude to The Nutcracker Presenting Sponsor Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Production Sponsors AARP and Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company.
The Sleeping Beauty | May 13–23, 2027
Choreographer: ©Christopher Wheeldon | Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
North American Premiere
A timeless fairy tale transformed into a theatrical spectacle, The Sleeping Beauty conjures a world of grandeur and enchantment. The beloved classic frames the enduring struggle between good and evil, as Princess Aurora falls under a spell that threatens to still an entire kingdom—only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. Upon her return, the realm is restored, and light prevails over darkness.
Choreographed by two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon, The Sleeping Beauty blends classical elegance with vivid, cinematic storytelling. With dazzling choreography, Jerome Kaplan’s lavish costume and set design, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, Joffrey’s season finale blossoms into a magical celebration for audiences of all ages.
With gratitude to The Sleeping Beauty Presenting Sponsors Lorna Ferguson and Terry Clark, Audrey L. Weaver, and Mr. and Mrs. Joel V. Williamson, Major Sponsor Mary Jo and Doug Basler, and Production Sponsor Holly Palmer Foundation.
About Projection Designer Daniel Brodie
Based in New York, Brodie's work has enriched productions on Broadway, the West End, and stages worldwide. His major theatrical credits include Motown the Musical, The Wiz, Disney's Aladdin, and Jekyll and Hyde. Brodie designed projections for choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Cinderella, staged in-the-round at London's Royal Albert Hall, and also collaborated with Wheeldon on The Winter's Tale. He frequently works alongside MacArthur Fellow Basil Twist, notably on productions such as Arias with a Twist, Rite of Spring at Lincoln Center, and the opera Titon et l'Aurore. Beyond theatre, Brodie has created visuals for acclaimed artists including James Taylor, Mariah Carey, and James Murphy. Learn more about Daniel Brodie here.
Tickets
The Joffrey Ballet’s 2-show subscription packages for The Nutcracker and The Sleeping Beauty start at $86. The Joffrey Ballet is the only official seller with the best prices. Be aware of ticket re-sellers offering overpriced or invalid tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office, located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.
About The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 71 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2026–2027 Season Sponsors: The Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, and Lynda Sue Lane, M.D. Season-long sponsorship of the Company Artists is generously made possible by Margot and Josef Lakonishok.
Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Season Partners: ATHLETICO and Chicago Athletic Clubs.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.