Atlanta Ballet Presents Immersive Family Experience with The Nutcracker at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Tuesday, November 12th, 2024

 Prepare to escape into a visionary holiday tradition as Atlanta Ballet presents its acclaimed production of The Nutcracker December 7-26, under the artistic direction of Gennadi Nedvigin. As one of the most anticipated performances in its repertoire, the Company will deliver a spectacular version of the classical ballet at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre accompanied by a live orchestra.

Award-winning choreographer Yuri Possokhov reimagined the classical ballet in 2018 exclusively for Atlanta Ballet with intricately designed costumes, larger-than-life ornate painted sets, advanced lighting and state-of-the-art video projections. The Washington Post critic who saw Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker lauded this production, claiming it “tops them all as the most entertaining as well as the smartest.” The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's memorable score bringing the beautiful and intricate dance work to life - making this production one of the only regional Nutcracker ballet productions performed with a full orchestra.

“As a company, we go above and beyond to create a memorable experience to surprise and delight our audiences,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “We are proud to provide a holiday season must-see with our fresh take on this beloved ballet featuring the Atlanta Ballet company, Atlanta Ballet 2 and a cast of children from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education and Centre Community Engagement Programs.

The Atlanta Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker has been hailed as one of the most technically advanced and exciting versions of the show and promises to transport audiences to a charming yuletide German city for its whimsical story involving an unexpected gift, a mysterious journey and two acts of enchantment. Snowstorms, dancing dolls, bullfights, snake charmers and much more bring panoramic adventure to the stage.

The Atlanta Ballet will continue to host a festive experience for the entire family beyond the show, transforming the Cobb Energy Centre into a winter wonderland and decorating the lobby with Christmas trees, snowflakes and specialty stations for holiday photo opportunities. Guests are invited to enjoy holiday shopping from the Atlanta Ballet Boutique plus seasonal sweet treats, hot cocoa, apple cider and holiday cocktails for the adults. There will also be a pre-show DJ to ring in the merriment.

“Each year, we strive to elevate our Nutcracker experience and make it enjoyable for all our guests, and this extends to our festive pre-show and community activities”, said Tom West, Atlanta Ballet’s executive director. “We trust that through the shared experience of this beloved holiday ballet tradition, we can bring the Atlanta community together in awe and appreciation for the arts.”

This year Atlanta Ballet and Bloomingdale’s at Lenox Square are collaborating on a series of “Ballet Beauties” activations to celebrate the start of the holiday season including activities Friday, November 29 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The afternoon will include at-counter events, teasers and coveted gifts to help holiday revelers sparkle and shine, inspired by The Nutcracker. Stay tuned for pop-up performances as well as the season gets underway.

The Atlanta Ballet has also partnered with Hyatt House and Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel adjacent to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, for special packages to Nutcracker-goers accessible here: https://www.atlantaballet.com/atlanta-ballet-hotel-packages.