THE BROWN-FORMAN NUTCRACKER
december 11-21, 2026 | whitney hall, the kentucky center
Choreography by Val Caniparoli
Music by Tchaikovsky performed live by the Louisville Orchestra
About
Discover unbelievable magic and unforgettable memories with this classic holiday tradition, featuring an enchanting cast of whimsical characters, spectacular costumes and sets, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played live by the Louisville Orchestra. This journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy is a tribute to the wonder and warmth of the holiday season, a delight for both the young and the young-at-heart.
Save up to 20% with a ticket package. Single tickets will go on sale this summer.
Location
The Kentucky Center, Whitney Hall
Run Time
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission
Performance Schedule
Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 at 11 a.m. — Sensory Friendly*
Sunday, December 13 at 3 p.m.
Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Monday, December 22 at 3 p.m. — No Shush*
Note: Special add-on packages are available for select performances and can be added at checkout when single tickets go on sale. The Backstage Pass add-on includes a backstage tour and photo op with a dancer; the Character Keepsake add-on includes a signed program, keepsake ornament, and a special note from one of the characters.
*The Sensory Friendly and No-Shush performances are not accompanied by a live orchestra.
Gallery
SYNOPSIS + MORE
SCENE I: Herr Drosselmeyer’s Workshop
Our story begins on Christmas Eve. Herr Drosselmeyer is putting the finishing touches on special toys that he has lovingly made for his godchildren, Marie and Fritz. He plans to give these toys to them this evening at the annual party held at the home of the Stahlbaum family. As he prepares to close his store, Marie and her Mother make a surprise visit to do some last-minute shopping. Marie immediately becomes infatuated with a toy, the Nutcracker, which is not quite finished. Herr Drosselmeyer tries in vain to distract Marie from this special toy. . .
SCENE II: Marie’s Bedroom
Marie can hardly contain her excitement as she prepares for the party.
SCENE III: The Party
The Stahlbaum home is festive and alive with dancing and holiday celebrations. A magnificent Christmas tree adorns the parlor. Suddenly, Herr Drosselmeyer bursts into the room bearing gifts, including several amazing dancing dolls; he also performs a number of magic tricks. He gives Fritz a gift that resembles a menacing rat, which is later banished from the room because Fritz behaves so mischievously with it. Drosselmeyer, saving the best for last, presents Marie with the special Nutcracker that she so admired in his workshop earlier that evening. Marie immediately falls in love with her wonderful gift. It seems that the Nutcracker was meant to be Marie’s all along, and she begins to dance with him. Fritz, in a fit of jealousy, grabs the Nutcracker from Marie and accidentally breaks it. Fortunately, Drosselmeyer is able to repair the broken Nutcracker. The festivities draw to an end as Marie and Fritz’s grandparents lead
the final dance of the evening. The guests depart into the night and the family retires for the evening to dream of Christmas morning.
SCENE IV: The Battle
With everyone asleep, Marie sneaks downstairs into the darkened parlor to search for her beloved Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, Marie, feeling tired, falls asleep on the daybed and slips into a vivid dream. In her dream, she is startled as two rats steal her Nutcracker. The room appears to transform itself and the Christmas tree also seems to grow and grow before her very eyes.
A fierce battle ensues between the giant rats and the toy soldiers. The Nutcracker escapes the rats’ clutches and challenges the Rat King to a duel. With Marie’s help, the Nutcracker fatally wounds the Rat King. Magically, the Nutcracker is then transformed into a handsome prince who invites Marie to join him on an enchanted journey.
SCENE V: Journey through the Land of Snow
Marie and her Nutcracker Prince begin their magical journey through a swirling snowstorm.
SCENE 1: The Journey to the Land of the Sugar
Plum Fairy
Marie and her Nutcracker Prince continue their travels to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy under Drosselmeyer’s watchful eye.
SCENE 2: The Palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Marie and her Nutcracker Prince arrive at an ornate palace under a starry sky where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier reside. The palace is decorated with columns that seem to be made of spun sugar. It is an enchanting land graced by several dancing angels. Marie and her Nutcracker Prince are greeted by Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and her Cavalier. Marie is astonished that the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier resemble the very dolls that
Drosselmeyer presented at the party. Marie and the Nutcracker Prince are entertained by several dances from distant lands — chocolate, tea, coffee, and caviar representing Spain, China, Arabia, and Russia, respectively. These are followed by the French Pastilles, deliciously danced by four beautifully clad maidens. A comical but fantastic Madame Derby with eight tiny guests then entertains Marie. Next, a beautiful Rose appears, accompanied by her bouquet.
Finally, the most wonderful dance of all is danced by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her gallant Cavalier. As Marie and the Nutcracker Prince prepare to leave, everyone returns for one last farewell as, alas, all dreams must come to an end. Or was it a dream?
Join Louisville Ballet for a sensory friendly performance of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Audiences will delight in excerpts from both Act I and II, including Marie’s journey from the holiday party to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and experience this magical holiday tradition in an atmosphere that is specially designed to be comfortable, inclusive, and safe for individuals who have sensory sensitivities.
In collaboration with several community partners, Louisville Ballet has made appropriate accommodations to the performance and theater going experience to make individuals with special needs feel welcome. Click here to learn more about the sensory friendly experience.
This full-length performance with relaxed theatre etiquette is ideal for families and children who may have the need to move or make noise during a performance. We are thrilled to be able to offer this special performance as part of our mission to make ballet accessible to all.
Don’t forget to stop by the Nutcracker Gift Shop to find the perfect holiday gifts: T-shirts, ornaments, tote bags, nutcrackers, and more!
Find the Gift Shop in the North Lobby at The Kentucky Center for all performances of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. All proceeds benefit The Louisville Ballet School.
FAQ
What access services do you offer for the performances?
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available for the pre-show talks and curtain speeches for all performances. Audio description is available upon request. Wheelchair seating is available. Contact info@louisvilleballet.org for more information on accessibility.
How do I find my tickets?
If you chose Will Call as your ticket delivery method, you will be able to pick up your tickets at the theater an hour before the performance begins. If you chose digital tickets, you will be able to access them a few hours before the performance begins. Click here to learn more about digital tickets.
Where should I park?
There are many convenient parking options for The Kentucky Center, including the Kentucky Center Garage and the Riverfront Garage on Sixth St., The Galt House, the Humana building, and metered street parking on Main St and surrounding streets.
I’ve never been to the ballet. What should I expect?
We’re so glad you’ve chosen to attend a live art experience with us! For more details about what to wear, theater etiquette, and what to expect, visit our frequently asked questions.