The Nutcracker, A Magical New Play

Set in modern day, The House's fantastical expansion of this holiday classic is not a ballet, but rather a play—tremendously uplifting and emotional—about one loving family’s recovery from a terrible and surprising loss. Based on the original E.T.A. Hoffmann story, the play centers on young Clara's journey to save Christmas and bring her broken family back together—making this production a splendidly empowering holiday story and a wholly different take on the classic tale! This contemporary holiday theater piece weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original songs and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope.

Staged in the round in the Center’s intimate 200-seat Carnival Studio Theater, “this is the rare theatrical environment — child-friendly but also hip and adult — in which both groups will be fully comfortable,” adds The Chicago Tribune.