A Splendid and wondrous thing

Now in their 52nd season, join the Appalachian Ballet and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra for 2023's glorious production of The Nutcracker. Featuring ABC's own alums Laura Morton and James La Russa as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Herr Drosselmeyer, don't miss this delectable Christmas treat as it once more graces the Clayton Center's stage on Dec 8 and 9.

What is the story?

First seen as a short story published in 1816 by E.T.A Hoffmann, The Nutcracker was adapted by Tchaikovsky and choreographer Marcus Petipa for the stage in 1892 and went on to receive its North American premiere back in 1944 with the San Francisco Ballet. Since then, it has become a quintessential family event, with productions numbering in the 100s from ballet companies all over the country from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve!