Santa Monica, California
Nutcracker Tickets Now On Sale!
Click Here to Purchase: westsideballet.com/NutTix*
*Tiler Peck & Roman Mejia shows are virtually sold out, with waiting list at the door for Sat & Sun 11/30, 12/1, 12/7, 12/8 shows.
*Tickets are still on sale for Friday, December 6th 7pm show, featuring the company’s top pre-professional dancers in leading roles performing with a live symphony orchestra.
Westside Ballet’s 51st Annual Nutcracker Returns
A Landmark Holiday Tradition in Southern California Continues to Shine!
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica brings the magic of its 51st annual production of “The Nutcracker” back to The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage kickstarting the Holiday Season Thanksgiving Weekend, running from November 30 to December 8, 2024. Southern California’s longest-running Nutcracker, this year’s production blends the nostalgia of tradition with fresh artistic elements, featuring exquisite new set designs and world-class performances that breathe new life into the beloved classic.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra for all nine public performances, this cherished production brings Clara’s enchanting journey to life in this timeless holiday tradition.
Performing Saturday and Sunday both weekends, Westside alumna and New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck returns to dazzle the stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy, alongside fellow NYCB principal Roman Mejia as her Cavalier.
The Westside production masterfully captures the essence of the legendary George Balanchine’s vision, as originally conceived by Yvonne Mounsey, who once graced the stage as the Center Spanish in the New York City Ballet during the peak of her career. Highlighted in the pages of the Los Angeles Times and recognized as one of Pointe Magazine’s preferred Nutcracker productions nationwide, it’s a holiday experience that promises to be unforgettable—one you won’t want to miss!
Nutcracker Trailer
Please enjoy Westside’s commemorative 50th Anniversary Commercial made in collaboration with Santa Monica College Film Program.
About Westside Ballet’s Nutcracker
The longest running Nutcracker in the city, Westside Ballet’s lavish production has been a Los Angeles tradition since 1973.
From the moment the theater lights dim, you’ll embark on a journey into a whimsical realm of Christmas wonder, where the merriment and festive spirit of the season come alive. In the Victorian-style party scene, menacing mice engage in epic battles with valiant toy soldiers, and a dashing Prince guides Clara through the enchanting Land of Snow, where swirling flurries are conjured by the mesmerizing Snow Queen.
As Act II unfolds, heavenly angels, poised on billowing clouds, herald Clara and her Prince’s arrival in the Land of the Sweets. Clara is entertained by a delightful array of performances, including Spanish chocolate, Arabian coffee, Peppermints, Chinese tea, and marzipan Mirlitons, each presenting their own unique charms. In the grand finale, a graceful waltz of flowers surrounds the shimmering Dew Drop Fairy before the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy and her elegant Cavalier take center stage in their magnificent pas de deux.
The entire Kingdom bids Clara a fond farewell as she embarks on her journey home, sailing through a glittering night sky in a walnut boat.
Video Preview
Westside TV gave this exciting preview of WSB’s The Nutcracker in 2015 with commentary by Artistic Director Martine Harley.
Featured in Los Angeles Times
For decades, the Times has run features and special mentions on Westside Ballet’s The Nutcracker:
2019 | 2017 | 2014 |
2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
About Past Productions
Many promising dancers make their stage debuts in Westside Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Previous Productions highlights some of the many dancers who went on to professional careers, including Monique Meunier (NYCB, ABT),
Anna Liceica, (ABT) Martine Harley (Houston Ballet), Melissa Barak (NYCB, Los Angeles Ballet, Barak Ballet), Andrew Veyette (NYCB), Stayce Camparo (Kansas City Ballet) and Francis Veyette (Pennsylvania Ballet).
Previous Productions
- The Nutcracker 2023
- The Nutcracker 2022
- The Nutcracker 2021
- The Nutcracker 2020
- The Nutcracker 2016
- The Nutcracker 2015
- The Nutcracker 2014
- The Nutcracker 2013
- The Nutcracker 2010-2012
- The Nutcracker 2005-2009
- The Nutcracker 2000-2004
- The Nutcracker 1995-1999
- The Nutcracker 1990-1994
- The Nutcracker 1985-1989
- The Nutcracker Before 1985
The Legacy Continues
Please support the arts in your backyard and donate to our nonprofit pre-professional performance company. Go to westsideballet.com/support-the-company so that Westside Ballet may continue for decades to come, to inspire people, young and old, to rise above all expectations & motivate all to “Raise the Barre” for Santa Monica and the greater community, through the power and magic of ballet! No donation amount too small – or large!