Ballet Theatre of Maryland - The Nutcracker

Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s The Nutcracker brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet to life with a distinctly local imagination. Choreographed by artistic director Nicole Kelsch, this reimagining sets Clara’s adventure in 19th-century Annapolis, where a family heirloom Nutcracker leads to a battle with the Rat King and a voyage toward the Kingdom of Confections. Along the way, Maryland-inspired details—including crabs and oysters welcoming Clara—lend fresh character to the familiar dreamlike tale. The result pairs classic music and storybook ballet with playful regional touches that give longtime fans and first-time viewers new details to discover.