Milwaukee Ballet brings "The Nutcracker" to life for 37th year

For many families it's a tradition to see \"The Nutcracker\" this time of year.

The Milwaukee Ballet is staging a full length performance for the  37th year. 

This production in particular with its sets, costumers and choreography has been running for 11 years.

The ballet is hoping to welcome back longtime supporters and hopes to bring some people back to the theater or even first timers to enjoy the grand show that has some of the most memorable music in history.

There are 240 people who make the show happen, from the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra to  The Milwaukee Children's Choir, and the 140 children from the Milwaukee Ballet School.

\"Then we've got an army of people and volunteers backstage making sure nobody gets hurt and everything happens as it's supposed to,\" explained Artistic Director Michael Pink.

The local production is sponsored by BMO Harris which means some tickets are as low as $30 each.

The story centers around a little girl name Clara on Christmas Eve who watches her nutcracker come to life to fight the Mouse King and whisk her away to a land full of dolls.

The dances are set to the music of famed Russian Composer Tchaikovsky. 

Early accounts say \"The Nutcracker\" was not a success when it premiered in 1892.

Yet, it has certainly stood the test of time, while testing the stamina of its performers.

\"We do 16 performances and the dancers play three to four different parts,\" said Pink. \"We get to say to them this is working. Try this, try that. Each show feels like a different experience. It's really Christmas magic.\"

\"The Nutcracker\" is at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts through December 27th.


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