Audiences can enjoy the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season across Cineplex theatres. In partnership with The National Ballet of Canada, Cineplex Events will present a special screening of this beloved classic, captured live from 2008 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. The Nutcracker is one of the biggest and most spectacular productions in The National Ballet of Canada’s repertoire, staged annually since 1955. The Nutcracker will be available online on the Cineplex Store and at more than 50 Cineplex theatres across Canada beginning December 4, 2020. 

“The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition for many in our community, particularly families and children. During this challenging year when we are unable to perform live, I am delighted that through this partnership with Cineplex, the National Ballet can share this beautiful production with Canadians across the country,” said Karen Kain, Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to the magic of the big screen, and into living rooms of Canadians across Canada. This partnership with The National Ballet of Canada provides a safe way to gather and celebrate one of the country’s most beloved holiday traditions,” said Brad LaDouceur, Vice President of Event Cinema, Cineplex. 

Earlier this year, the National Ballet made the difficult decision to cancel performances of The Nutcracker for 2020 due to COVID-19, marking the first year since 1955 that the company will not perform this holiday classic live.

This performance features Principal Dancers Sonia Rodriguez and Piotr Stanczyk as The Sugar Plum Fairy and Peter/The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is choreographed by James Kudelka with music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set and costume design by Santo Loquasto and lighting design by Jennifer Tipton. The acclaimed production features 233 performers – 50 dancers, 98 children from Canada’s National Ballet School and high schools all over Toronto, 65 musicians and 20 young singers from VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto who join The National Ballet of Canada Orchestra for the famous snow scene. 

Starting December 4, The Nutcracker will be available on the Cineplex Store for $29.99 and can be enjoyed in select theatres for $14.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors and $12.95 for children. Tickets on sale November 25, 2020. Visit Cineplex or The National Ballet of Canada for more details.

Cineplex's top priority continues to be the health and safety of its employees and guests while creating a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment. All theatres have enhanced cleaning and safety measures in place as well as procedures to allow for physical distancing both inside and outside of its auditoriums. For more information on the Company's safe operating plans, visit Cineplex.com.

Photo: Christopher Gerty. © 2020 Karolina Kuras.