Ballet Minnesota presents the 37th "Classic Nutcracker"

Ballet Minnesota will reignite the passion for this Christmas holiday tradition with their 37th beloved production of the Classic Nutcracker at The O'Shaughnessy, on the campus of St. Catherine's University, Dec. 20-21, 2025.
The much-loved Special guest soloist, Violeta Angelova, returns this season to perform the pas de deux in the signature role of Sugar Plum Fairy with Benji Pearson as the Cavalier. More than 100 students from Classical Ballet Academy round out this large cast. The performances take place on the campus of St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave., Saint Paul, Dec. 20-21, 2025. Ticket prices range from $20 to $47 with discounts for seniors and groups. Purchase online at The O'Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University, or call the box office at 651-690-6700. The public performances are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21.

Soloists and Casting Updates include New York and Boston Guest Stars

Highly pedigreed dancers will perform the lead signature roles. Violeta Angelova will reprise the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Angelova's career includes title and leading roles in more than 70 ballets. She has performed with The Vienna State Opera Ballet, Ballet Internationale, The New Jersey Ballet, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, the National Ballet of Bulgaria, California Ballet, and many others.


Ballet Master Benji Pearson will return to dance the role of Cavalier, a role for which he has garnered enthusiastic reviews from Ballet Minnesota audiences. Pearson danced two seasons with the San Francisco Ballet and four seasons at the Boston Ballet. He recently graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English and danced with the Harvard Ballet Company.

"We are very fortunate to have nationally known professional dancers as guest artists with Ballet Minnesota in the lead roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier," said Andrew Rist, co-founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Minnesota.

This year also marks Robert Cleary's landmark 27th appearance in the production as the mysterious Godfather Drosselmeyer. "Robert has an amazing stage presence and a deep understanding of humanity that shines through in his performances. I will do whatever I can to keep him as Drosselmeyer for as long as he is willing," said Rist. Robert Cleary, age 68, and a cancer survivor, can be seen as Herr Drosselmeyer for his 26th year in the production! He is the artistic director and choreographer for Kanopy Dance in Madison, Wisconsin. He recently debuted a new Glam Rock Ballet, titled "Puppet Master."

The 37th Annual production of Ballet Minnesota's "The Classic Nutcracker" introduces several new dancers to the title roles, along with the professional guest stars. Cindy Chen, age 13, from Woodbury, a student at Math and Science Academy, and Clara Jang, age 13, also from Woodbury, a student at Woodbury Middle School, will share the role of Clara, the story's heroine. University of Minnesota student Toby Joseph returns for his second year as the debonair Nutcracker Prince. Joseph, age 21, is studying theater arts and lives in Woodbury. Two advanced students will share the prominent soloist role of Rose in the Waltz of the Flowers, in the highlight of Act II, symbolizing the transition into the magical Land of Sweets. Olive Charais, age 17, of Marine on St. Croix, is an apprentice with Ballet Minnesota and will attend the University of Minnesota next year to study dance. Flannery Page, age 17, lives in Saint Paul and Little Canada.

The role of Snow Queen, the final dance of Act I, will be performed by Zoe Charias, a Ballet Minnesota company member, who is studying architecture at the University of Minnesota. More than 100 dancers make up the full cast for this holiday classic, ready to enthrall you with light-as-air dancing, gorgeous costumes, and larger-than-life scenery.

A new backdrop for the Victorian living room scene
A Minneapolis Children's Theater set/props designer, Mary Novodvorsky, has designed a new backdrop for Act I of Ballet Minnesota's Nutcracker. This is the setting for the grand Christmas Eve party in the home of Clara's parents, Herr and Frau Stahlbaum. It will look refreshed and brighter with new details for the discerning eyes of devoted audience members. "I've added detail to the fireplace and windows and used a new technique to add more sparkle to the Christmas tree," said Novodvorsky.

The Classic Nutcracker Production and Story
Ballet Minnesota's company veterans and apprentices, along with a host of students fill out the roles ranging from the luminary Clara to the youngest dancers as scampering mice and winged angels who seem to float on and off the stage. Enchanted sets further the magic with an adrenaline-filled battle, a fire-breathing dragon, lollipop swings appearing along with Madame Ginger, and gentle snow falling on the corps de ballet at the close of Act I.

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Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3377509-0?pid=91