Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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From December 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026 on the stage of the Moscow Academic Musical Theatre named after K.S. Stanislavsky and Vl.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko (MAMT) with the support of Department of Culture of the City of Moscow festive screenings will take place ballet "The Nutcracker" Pyotr Tchaikovsky, directed by Yuri Possokhov.
One of the capital's leading musical theaters will present a production that blends theatrical traditions with contemporary theatrical language. Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet has long been a symbol of the New Year holiday, and Yuri Possokhov's version returns audiences to its origins—the humanistic fairy tale by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann, whose 250th anniversary will be celebrated on January 24, 2026.
"Yuri Possokhov's 'The Nutcracker' holds a special place in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theatre's New Year's program—it has long been its flagship, a production that audiences look forward to all year long. A sought-after and beloved production, supported by the Moscow Department of Culture, it rightfully bears the title of the capital's premier 'Nutcracker.' During the holidays, the theatre will open its doors to all generations of Muscovites and visitors alike, offering an atmosphere of unity and the joy of meeting beautiful music and artists," noted Andrei Borisov, General Director of the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theatre.
The story of Marie and the enchanted Prince (The Nutcracker) unfolds as a parable of growing up, first love, courage, and bravery. Yuri Possokhov's choreography combines academic vocabulary with vibrant drama, emphasizing the melody and rhythmic energy of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's score. Polina Bakhtina's set and costume designs establish the visual logic of the production: the vast stage space, designed as a giant book, is symbolic. In the MAMT production of "The Nutcracker," dolls and toys come to life, creating a New Year's miracle.
"'The Nutcracker,' which we present at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Musical Theatre, is a production for everyone. It's important to me that it appeals to both children, who are looking forward to a true New Year's fairy tale, and adults, who always hold childhood memories alive. It's well known that Tchaikovsky's ballet was written not based on Hoffmann, but on a simplified retelling by Alexandre Dumas. In our version, we've returned to Hoffmann's tale: Marie's meeting with Drosselmeyer's nephew becomes the starting point for her fantasies and dreams. The history of 'The Nutcracker' productions is vast, but each time the production must be reimagined—every generation should have its own 'Nutcracker,' and for us, this is, above all, an attempt to return to the tradition of narrative ballet and to re-examine Tchaikovsky's great music," said choreographer Yuri Possokhov.
The leading roles will be performed by prima ballerinas, principal dancers, leading soloists, and soloists of the Moscow Academic Youth Theatre: Natalia Somova, Oksana Kardash, Erika Mikirticheva, Anastasia Limenko, Elena Solomyanko, Denis Dmitriev, Ivan Mikhalev, Innokenty Yuldashev, German Borsai, Evgeny Zhukov, Artur Mkrtchyan, and other artists.
The role of Drosselmeyer is given a special place in the performance. On December 21 at 12:00 PM, the ballet company's artistic director, Maxim Sevagin, will perform this role.
The performance features the MAMT orchestra and children's choir. Conducting will be Arif Dadashev, Roman Kaloshin, Fyodor Beznosikov, and music director Ivan Nikiforchin.
The Moscow Academic Youth Theatre has also prepared a festive program for young audiences during the New Year holidays. They will present an absolute family-friendly bestseller—Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's opera "The Tale of Tsar Saltan," based on Alexander Pushkin's famous work—as well as Jacques Offenbach's comic opera "Robinson Crusoe," featuring live parrots. This will become a true tropical island among the "Winter in Moscow" events.
The whole family can also attend "Meet the Orchestra," where audience members will interact with the musicians and learn about the structure of a symphony orchestra, as well as a concert of "Christmas Songs," featuring traditional holiday songs from various nations and cultures performed by the MAMT Children's Choir. These performances will complement the New Year's performances of "The Nutcracker" and create the atmosphere of a major winter theater festival for audiences of all ages at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theater.
Winter in Moscow — the main event of the season. The project aims to strengthen social and family ties, creating an atmosphere of unity, mutual support, comfort, and a festive spirit. Through a variety of programs, including cultural, educational, and sporting events, it brings together Muscovites and visitors of all ages and interests, creating conditions for creative development, active recreation, and warm social interaction during the cold season.
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