CLEVELAND, Ohio --The Cleveland Ballet is bringing “The Nutcracker” back to Playhouse Square for 11 performances over the next two weekends, from Friday, Dec. 12 to Sunday, Dec. 21.

Like last year, dancers will perform a traditional version of E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 tale. It is choreographed by Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov to music composed in 1892 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

For those who are unfamiliar, the story begins at a Christmas party when Clara receives a Nutcracker doll.

The tale continues through her imagination, which conjures a battle scene of toys and travel through the Land of Sweets.

This year’s production is more robust with expanded scenery such as a larger, fuller Christmas tree and a more mobile Mother Ginger.

A larger cast, made possible with apprentice

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