The Nutcracker
Step into the magic of the season with The Nutcracker, one of the world’s most cherished ballet classics performed by the renowned Astrakhan State Theatre Opera and Ballet. This timeless holiday tale captures the wonder of childhood, the power of imagination, and the triumph of love — all set to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable, shimmering score.
From Russia to Dubai, The Nutcracker has taken an extraordinary journey. Born in St. Petersburg in 1892 through the genius of Tchaikovsky and the storytelling of E.T.A. Hoffmann and Marius Petipa, it has grown into a worldwide holiday tradition, enchanting audiences across generations and continents.
Follow young Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker Prince as they travel through glittering winter landscapes and the delectable Land of Sweets — a world brought to life with breathtaking choreography, vibrant characters, and enchanting symphonic beauty. This December, the magic arrives at Dubai Opera, presented by the Astrakhan State Theatre Opera and Ballet, complete with stunning sets, world-class dancers, and a live orchestra to elevate the experience.
More than a ballet, The Nutcracker is a celebration of heritage, music, and festive wonder — the perfect holiday experience for families, ballet lovers, and anyone seeking a truly unforgettable seasonal moment.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss The Nutcracker at Dubai Opera
1. Performed by the renowned Astrakhan State Theatre Opera and Ballet, the show features exceptional dancers, breathtaking choreography, live music by orchestra and stunning visual artistry.
2. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score is performed live by orchestra, elevating the emotional and magical impact of every scene.
3. Since its premiere in 1892, The Nutcracker has become a global festive favourite — the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
4. From Clara’s enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets to the dazzling Snowflake Waltz, the ballet offers unforgettable moments for children and adults alike.
A once-a-year celebration not to be missed, this beloved classic promises to bring the spirit of the season alive on stage.
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Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
Children aged 6 years and above require a valid ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Children under 6 years of age are not permitted inside the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Ballet-extravaganza in two acts
Libretto by M. Petipa edited by V. Vainonen
Choreography by V. Vainonen
Stage Adaptation - Dmitry Gudanov
Music Director and Conductor - Valery Voronin
Theatrical Designer - Maria Volskaya
Costume Designer - Elena Vershinina
Lighting designer - Alexey Akimov
Cast:
Masha - Aigul Almukhametova, Sofia Romanova
Prince Coqueluche - Arthur Almukhametov, Vsevolod Tabachuk
Drosselmeyer - Maxim Melnikov
Marie - Ksenia Rybina
The Nutcracker - Mikhail Zhirnov
Franz - Mikhail Zhirnov
Stahlbaum - Malik Saetov
Stahlbaum's wife - Anna Tabachuk
Elderly couple - Zlata Lutsenko, Sergey Potapov
Nanny - Esmeralda Mamedova
Young ladies - Daria Ryazantseva, Sofia Dudoladova, Karolina Sumarok, Victoria Shalgina
Dandy - Saveliy Khramkov, Alexey Barbyshev
Moor - Azamat Maykenov
Harlequin - Askar Siraziyev
Doll - Maria Scheglova
The Mouse King - Saveliy Khramkov
Mouse-girl - Polina Smorodina
Snowflakes (soloists) - Olesya Belevtsova, Valentina Khapugina
Spanish dancers - Victoria Shalgina and Askar Siraziyev
Oriental dancers - Anna Tabachuk (solo), Urara Meikari (solo), Alisia Irizhipova, Elizaveta Mymrik, Maria Motruk, Urara Meikari, Daria Ryazantseva
Chinese dancers - Renata Ibragimova, Gennady Mymrik
Russian dancers - Kristina Zakharova, Irina Stepanova, Mikhail Zhirnov
French dancers - Ksenia Rybina and Maria Scheglova, Vsevolod Tabachuk, Artur Almukhametov
Waltz of the Flowers (soloists) - Olesya Belevtsova, Sofia Dudoladova, Carolina Sumarok,
Valentina Khapugina, Azamat Maikenov, Saveliy Khramkov, Yan Chizhevsky, Maxim Chipyshev
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes including an intermission
Latecomers will not be admitted into the auditorium once the performance has begun. Entry will only be permitted during intermission, if applicable
