NASHVILLE BALLET ANNOUNCES FINAL DETAILS AND PRINCIPAL CAST FOR BELOVED HOLIDAY CLASSIC NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER
Nashville’s Nutcracker Kicks Off the Holiday Season Thanksgiving Weekend at Tennessee Performing Arts Center with Performances November 29 - December 28, 2025
Children are Invited to Participate in Pre-Performance Story Time, Meet & Greets with Nutcracker Characters and More
Nashville Ballet has announced the final details and talented principal cast of company dancers that will lead the beloved holiday classic, Paul Vasterling’s Nashville's Nutcracker, along with The Nashville Symphony, that is returning to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall starting Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 28, 2025.
These Nashville Ballet Company Dancers will perform various principal roles throughout this spectacular, unique-to-Nashville production of Nashville’s Nutcracker (in alphabetical order):
Justin Abel as Snow King
Joshua Binowitz as Sugar Plum Cavalier and Nutcracker Prince
Celeste Borman as Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop Fairy
Kennedy Brown as Snow Queen and Dew Drop Fairy
Michael Burfield as Nutcracker Prince
Shaiya Donohue as Nutcracker Prince
Will Giannuzzi as Nutcracker Prince
Anneliese Guerin as Dew Drop Fairy
Jamie Kopit as Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen
James Lankford as Sugar Plum Cavalier and Snow King
Garritt McCabe as Sugar Plum Cavalier and Snow King
Jack Owen as Nutcracker Prince
Jorge Emilio Peña as Sugar Plum Cavalier and Snow King
Sarah Pierce as Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop Fairy
Lily Saito as Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen
Brett Sjoblom as Sugar Plum Cavalier and Snow King
Marissa Stark as Dew Drop Fairy
Autumn Tierney as Snow Queen
Colette Tilinski as Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen
Nashville’s Nutcracker will not only showcase the incredible cast of company dancers and members of NB2, Nashville Ballet’s official second company, but also more than 200 local community youth and School of Nashville Ballet students.
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“Each year, Nashville’s Nutcracker brings together artists, students, families and audiences to celebrate the joy of the holiday season through dance,” said Nick Mullikin, Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO. “What makes this production so special is how it reflects the heart and spirit of Music City. From the vibrant storytelling to the extraordinary live music performed by The Nashville Symphony, this production showcases the power of collaboration between our city’s finest artists. Nashville’s Nutcracker isn’t just a performance, it’s a celebration of who we are as a community. This year, we’re thrilled to expand that celebration with new themed evenings that highlight the diversity, inclusion and creativity that define Nashville today.”
Audiences have come to love that Nashville’s Nutcracker weaves Music City’s rich history into the classic children’s story of Clara Stahlbaum, the brave Nutcracker Prince and the magical kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Inspired by the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the production showcases the unique history and cultural innovation of Music City with scenes set in Nashville landmarks such as Shelby Bottoms, Centennial Park and the Belle Meade Mansion. The whimsical story follows Clara and her Uncle Drosselmeyer as they explore the Exposition, where they experience inventions from across the globe and are introduced to the Nutcracker for the first time, before embarking on a magical adventure.
This cherished production is an experience designed for the entire family. Families with children are encouraged to arrive up to 40 minutes early to participate in pre-performance story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists, enjoy meet-and-greets with favorite Nutcracker characters, take photos in the commemorative photo booth and shop exclusive holiday merchandise featuring Nashville’s Nutcracker dolls and ornaments.
This must-see holiday tradition is set to the timeless score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed live by The Nashville Symphony under Music Director and Principal Conductor Ming Luke with Guest Conductor Lauren Wasynczuk. The production features exquisite scenery designed by Shigeru Yaji, costumes and additional scenic elements by Campbell Baird and lighting designs by Scott Leathers.
In addition to its public performances, Nashville Ballet will double its student matinees this season. In partnership with TPAC and The Nashville Symphony, the organization will welcome more than 3,500 students from across Middle Tennessee for two daytime performances designed exclusively for school field trips. Each performance is supported by a comprehensive Educator’s Guide with interactive activities aligned to Tennessee State Academic Standards.
Nashville Ballet will also continue its beloved Holiday Magic program, which brings the gift of live art to community members who may not otherwise have access to professional ballet. More than 2,000 individuals will receive free tickets this season, distributed through over 60 social service agencies across Middle Tennessee.
Tickets are still available for the entire family to experience the joy and wonder of this classic tale reimagined that captures the heart and spirit of Nashville. Be a holiday hero and get your tickets now as it’s expected to sell out. Single tickets start at just $45. For more information on Nashville’s Nutcracker or to purchase tickets, please visit NashvilleBallet.com.