In this episode of Company Secrets, Jared Redick is joined by choreographer and director Christopher Wheeldon for a deep dive into The Nutcracker as narrative, tradition, and opportunity for reinvention.

Wheeldon reflects on why The Nutcracker has become the definitive holiday ballet, from its concise storytelling and iconic Tchaikovsky score to its role as both a family introduction to ballet and a vital economic engine for companies. Drawing on his background in creating richly layered narrative worlds, he discusses why clarity of story and emotional access are essential to sustaining audience connection today.

The conversation centers on Wheeldon’s Chicago-set Nutcracker for Joffrey Ballet, reimagined on the eve of the World’s Fair. He explains how anchoring the ballet in the city’s history allowed for a more inclusive and socially conscious narrative, transforming Marie into a child of immigrant workers and reframing the second act through the international villages of the fair. From architectural inspiration and immersive lighting to puppetry, live theatrical illusion, and a redefined pas de deux, Wheeldon shares how design and storytelling worked hand in hand.

Wheeldon also speaks to the importance of narrative ballet as an entry point for audiences who may feel intimidated by the art form, arguing that accessible storytelling opens the door to deeper engagement with dance. The episode closes with a look ahead at his newly launched Toy Theater Productions and his vision for creating space for collaborative, story-driven work across theater, dance, and music.

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