Ballet Notes - The National Ballet of Canada

The Nutcracker
Over The Years
T
he National Ballet of Canada has been performing The Nutcracker for 60 years,
drawing thousands of children and their families to the theatre each season.
The production has changed considerably in that time, with each new version offering
a fresh perspective on E.T.A. Hoffman’s Christmas tale.
The National Ballet of Canada first presented Casse-Noisette
(The Nutcracker), Act II, on January 28, 1952 at Toronto’s
Eaton Auditorium. Principal Dancers Irene Apiné and Jury
Gotshalks performed the lead roles of The Sugar Plum Fairy
and The Nutcracker Prince.
David Adams and Irene Apiné in The Nutcracker, 1952.
Photo by Jimmy Tafoya.
1952
Founding Artistic Director Celia Franca created a full-length
version of The Nutcracker, which premiered at the Capitol
Theatre in Quebec City on November 19, 1955.
David Adams, Judith Dornis, Betty Pope and Barbara Monty in
The Nutcracker, 1955. Photo by Ken Bell.
1955
In 1964, the National Ballet re-envisioned The Nutcracker
with new choreography by Celia Franca and new sets and
costumes by Jürgen Rose. The production, which premiered
on December 26, 1964, cost approximately $100,000. At the
time, it was the most expensive theatrical production in Canada.
1964
Elaine Werner, Lois Smith and Earl Kraul with Artists of the Ballet in
The Nutcracker, 1964. Photo by Ken Bell.
The National Ballet premiered its current production of
The Nutcracker on December 21, 1995, with choreography
by James Kudelka and sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto.
It remains one of the most lavish productions of The Nutcracker
in the world repertoire.
1995
Martine Lamy and Rex Harrington in The Nutcracker, 1995
Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.
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