Kick off the holidays with THE NUTCRACKER, A MAGICAL NEW PLAY, The House Theatre of Chicago’s critically-acclaimed production based on the classic holiday story by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
   
Inside the Arsht Center's intimate Carnival Studio Theater, experience Clara’s enchanted holiday world, with live musical numbers, including a festive family “Homecoming” and a charming “Cookie Party” with lovable life-sized toys.

Director and Choreographer Tommy Rapley; Miami-based cast members Mary Sansone (Clara) and Renata Eastlick, (Clara's mother/Really Scary Rat) talk about this experience.

About the production: 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.