The Hard Nut is a cascade of wit and wintry beauty. It’s a lavish, gender-bent love letter to the classic The Nutcracker. Based on E.T.A Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, Mark Morris’ version takes it from the straight-laced 1890s to the swinging 70s, with raucous parties, dancing G.I. Joes, whimsical costumes, and a Waltz of the Snowflakes like no other. Based on the comic book art of Charles Burns and featuring Tchaikovsky’s complete original score, performed live by a 53-piece orchestra conducted by Colin Fowler, Morris’ lyrical, modern retelling playfully preserves the warm spirit of an essential holiday tradition.

Set design by Adrianne Lobel
Costume design by Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting design by James F. Ingalls

Production based on the work of Charles Burns

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