Building a New Nutcracker

Sets and Scenes

The production features 20 entirely new sets: full-stage, seamless drops by renowned set designer John Ezell, hand-painted by scenic artists at Michael Hagan studio.

Cincinnati Ballet’s local I.A.T.S.E. union will build 20 large deck units, including a growing wardrobe, grandfather clock, trick kitchen tables and antique furniture as well as props.

Click the thumbnails below for a sneak peek of what's to come. 

Cincinnati Ballet's <i>New Nutcracker</i> will open in the kitchen of the Stahlbaum house<br />(Set Design: John Ezell)
A scene from the Land of Sweets<br />(Set Design: John Ezell)
Land of Sweets, Waltz of the Flowers<br />(Set Design: John Ezell)
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Michael Hagen studio
Hanging scenery for kitchen scene
This decorative stool will be placed a rolling platform during Act II
Handmade wooden guns to be used by the soliders and toys
Handmade wooden guns to be used by the soliders and toys
Design of shelving area of the Stahlbaum's kitchen
Shelves in forced perspective to be used in the kitchen scene of the Stahlbaum house
Multiple sizes of canisters made in forced perspective
Silver buttons that will double as shields for the mice during the battle scene
Will be featured in the battle scene.
Original, handmade scooter.
White scooters, which are modeled after the original handmade scooter, but increased in size by 20%
Mixture of handmade and purchased artificial confections
Mixture of handmade and purchased artificial confections
Artificial holiday pie for the table
Mixture of handmade and purchased artificial confections
RC cars used for remote control mice (Pictured: Robert Eubanks, Production Manager)
Template and constructed 3D snowflake
Construction blueprint used to make kitchen furniture
Construction blueprint used to make kitchen furniture
Present boxes that will be filled with toys for the performance
Wobbly cake that is made of cloth (Pictured: Robert Eubanks, Production Manager)
 Settees resting under work table
Snare drums for soldiers (Pictured: Robert Eubanks, Production Manager)
Cincinnati Ballet Warehouse - site of Nutcracker set construction