Reflecting on the 10-year journey of Beyond the Nutcracker, what moments or memories stand out to you the most since its first performance? How has the production evolved over the years?

Some of my most memorable moments are seeing audiences experience the magic of Beyond the Nutcracker as something more profound than a holiday tradition. This story is grounded in the true meaning of Christmas—hope, love, and the message of redemption. Unlike the traditional Nutcracker, which tells a whimsical tale of sweets and mice, Beyond the Nutcracker shares the greatest story ever told, capturing a sense of purpose that resonates deeply. Each year, I’ve made adjustments that expand the richness of this message, from refining the choreography to adding new elements like enhanced projections, a fresh lighting design, and a larger corps de ballet that fills the stage with energy and life.

*Jeremy Slager, Miranda Rubio Opsal and Judah Slager in Beyond the Nutcracker 2016*

As Beyond the Nutcracker celebrates a decade, what elements do you believe resonate most with audiences, especially in this unique retelling set against the backdrop of WWII? What has kept the story fresh and impactful for so many years?

Audiences connect with the WWII setting, which is the perfect setting for Beyond the Nutcracker’s theme of hope that calms a weary world. There’s something about setting this story during a time of such profound change and global upheaval that brings new meaning to each character’s journey. Even today, though we are not in a world war, the past five years have been marked by upheaval and uncertainty that feel, in many ways, closer to the 1940s than ever. This setting and the timeless Tchaikovsky score allow us to enter the holiday season with a fresh perspective, inviting audiences to find hope in the face of adversity and remember the true meaning of Christmas. Updating elements like projections and choreography each season keeps it fresh and relevant while preserving its timeless story.

What inspired you to set this story within a historical context, and how has that choice deepened the experience for audiences over the years?

The WWII setting came from a desire to tell this story during one of the most challenging times in modern history. By placing this holiday story within a historical context, we invite audiences to connect on a deeper level, understanding the spirit of hope that emerges amidst hardship. This story allows us to remind audiences of a Christmas not centered around whimsy, but around the ultimate gift of love and redemption that we celebrate at Christmas time. This choice has given the story an emotional richness that resonates with audiences, making it more than just a holiday ballet but an invitation to find hope and unity even in uncertain times.

This production has become a holiday tradition for Ballet 5:8. How does it feel to see audiences return each year to Beyond the Nutcracker? What do you hope new and returning viewers will take away from this milestone performance?

It’s incredibly meaningful to see familiar faces in the audience each year, knowing that this story has become part of their holiday tradition. There’s a sense of joy in sharing a story that brings the focus back to the true meaning of Christmas, connecting with the heart rather than just the imagination. For this milestone season, I hope both new and returning viewers are reminded of the power of faith and resilience. With expanded staging, an entirely new lighting design, and subtle adjustments to key scenes, I’m excited to see this production in it’s most radiant form. I hope each person leaves feeling inspired by the timeless story that Beyond the Nutcracker brings to life.

What aspects of the choreography or staging have you refined or expanded upon to mark the 10-year anniversary? Are there any new elements audiences can look forward to?

To celebrate this decade-long journey, we’ve introduced several new elements that deepen and enrich the experience. The corps de ballet is larger this season, adding vibrancy to the Snow Angels and Rose scenes, filling the stage with a new energy and visual richness. The Russian variation has been reimagined as “A Prayer for Russia,” reflecting a spirit of reverence for current events and honoring those who are enduring hardship. Joseph has a new variation for this performance, pulling in his story of courage during the fateful trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Our new lighting design and updated projections add a fresh dimension to the WWII setting, immersing the audience in the story’s depth and beauty. Each of these elements comes together to make this anniversary season of Beyond the Nutcracker something truly special, an experience our audiences won’t soon forget!