World Ballet Company to bring 'The Nutcracker' to CoMMA on Nov. 18

World Ballet Company will bring its national touring production of “The Nutcracker” to Morganton’s CoMMA Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. and is part of a nationwide holiday tour visiting nearly 50 cities through December. The production will feature a live orchestra conducted by Vadim Nikitin performing Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s traditional score.

The traveling production features professional dancers representing more than 10 countries, along with hand-painted sets, multimedia projections, and more than 150 hand-sewn costumes. The staging covers the classic story’s key scenes, including the battle between the Nutcracker’s soldiers and the Mouse King, the Waltz of the Snowflakes, and the Land of Sweets.

“Our goal is to make ballet accessible without compromising its artistry,” said company director Sasha Gorskaya. “We created this Nutcracker for everyone — from families seeing ballet for the first time to audiences who have loved it all their lives. With live orchestral music bringing Tchaikovsky’s score to life, it’s a world-class experience that celebrates joy, imagination, and togetherness.”

The Los Angeles-based company focuses on touring to cities outside major metropolitan markets to expand regional access to professional ballet. According to company surveys, more than 60% of its audience members are attending a live ballet for the first time.

The show runs 1 hour and 40 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and is recommended for ages 2 and older.

Tickets are on sale now through the company’s website at worldballetcompany.com/morganton or through the CoMMA box office.

— AKC