The Sarasota Ballet's "John Ringling

SARASOTA – The Sarasota Ballet will once again perform John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker this year. The performances, Dec. 20 – 21, will be held at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota. Coming off the success of last year's world premiere, the performances are once again expected to sell out.

“Last season’s world-premiere received unprecedented community support and it became clear that this personalized rendition of a holiday classic would become a local favorite,” said Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet.

Webb attributed the story's popularity to much of the production's success.

“It’s rare that a company is able to perform a ballet that has such a unique connection to the audience members,” said Webb. “I’m thrilled that we’re performing it again and so is the Company.”

John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker draws on Sarasota’s close connection with the Ringling Bros. Circus and especially on John Ringling’s love for his wife, Mable. Adapting Hoffmann’s 120-year-old original storyline, the ballet follows a little girl (Clara) who runs away with the circus to Sarasota. Set in the art deco period of the 1930s, characters from Hoffman’s original Nutcracker are re-imagined as celebrated circus figures from the city’s past.

This circus-themed ballet was brought to life by international choreographer Matthew Hart, with set and costume designs by award-winning designer Peter Docherty. With the Sarasota Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s full score, this event will be magical.

“I am looking forward to seeing audience members of all ages being uplifted by this exciting and moving version of The Nutcracker,” Webb said.

Schedule and Ticket Information

John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Friday, December 20, 2013
Performance starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 21, 2013
Pre-matinee family, circus-themed lunch at 12 p.m.
Matinee performance starting at 2 p.m.
Evening performance starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, seven days a week with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. The box office can be contacted by calling (941) 359-0099 x101.