American Midwest Ballet: The Nutcracker at Orpheum Theatre

There's something special about the festive season - decorating the Christmas tree, the twinkling lights, the exquisite food, the gifts, the nostalgia-inducing songs and the spirit of closeness. Whether it is summer, autumn, winter or spring, ballet-magic isn't tied to a specific time of year and there is simply no better way to tap into the spirit of togetherness than experiencing the breathtaking ballet that left the world totally mesmerized over a century ago!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Nut Cracker!

Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky composed the wondrous two-act ballet 'The Nutcracker' using a plot adapted from Alexandre Dumas' 1844 short story 'The Tale of a Nutcracker' and with masterful choreography by Marius Petipa, it became one of the world's best, favorite and well-liked classical ballets of all time.

Featuring some of the world's most timeless tunes in classical libary, 'The Nutcracker' explores the story of young Clara who is gifted a rather peculiar wooden Nutcracker doll from the talented toymaker Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. When the clock strikes midnight, the living room transforms into a wonderland where the toys come to life, with whom she embarks on an exciting adventure.

Apart from what appears like a children's story, the ballet also features something quite amazing for the ballet-fanatic: magnificent skills - from perfect lifts and stunning leaps to incredible spins and brilliant, elegant dancing, from unexpected choreography and intriguing puppetry to stunning hand-crafted costumes and scenery and of course, Tchaikovsky's popular score to underline the on-stage magic.

American Midwest Ballet this winter

To date 'The Nutcracker' has had countless performances around the world - and the masses can't all be wrong! If there's one theatrical experience that you simply have to treat your family to in 2026, let it be 'The Nutcracker'! Trust us - we've seen 'The Nutcracker' countless times and every single time has been EPIC!

This December, Nebraska's most prestigious professional ballet company, American Midwest Ballet, brings their Season 17 production to life with new delightful enhancements to the costumes and scenery in the Sugar Plum Fairy realm. The magic is coming to the much-adored Orpheum theater in downtown Omaha and there has never been a venue better suited than this!: the Orpheum theatre boasts superb sound and lighting, crystal-clear acoustics, a large capacity of 2,600 seats, luxurious seating on various levels and modern features for your ultimate comfort.

Make your Friday night more exceptional!

Why not make the evening even more popular? Have a look at our 'Plan Your Trip' section on the website for a curated list of the best places in Omaha for dinner and entertainment!

So go ahead - treat yourself and your loved ones to a magnificent theatrical experience this winter with 'The Nutcracker'!