Creative Ice Theatre will present three performances of “The Nutcracker on Ice” in mid-December at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge.
Written in 1892 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “The Nutcracker” is a two-act ballet that dramatizes the wonders of Christmas. With graceful style and movement, “The Nutcracker On Ice” brings to life the time-honored holiday fairy tale about Clara, a young girl who travels on Christmas Eve to the Land of Sweets with her Nutcracker prince.
Performances are scheduled for 1PM and 6PM on Sat., Dec. 16; and at 1PM on Sun., Dec. 17. Advance reserved seats are now on sale.
Now in its fourth year, the cast of “The Nutcracker” features nearly 100 skaters from throughout Chicagoland. Under artistic direction by Marina Gromova, the production is professionally choreographed with guest performances by national and international competitors. Elaborate costumes and theatrical lighting help create a memorable holiday tradition.
“We’re so excited that ‘The Nutcracker on Ice’ has gotten bigger and better every year,” said Whitney Robbins, mother of two children in the program.
Robbins went on to explain the four-year history of the Creative Ice Theatre performance of “The Nutcracker” that began in the fall of 2020.
“With competitions on hold and most other activities canceled, Creative Ice Theatre in partnership with Seven Bridges Ice Arena found a safe way to keep skaters engaged, having fun and working toward a goal,” said Robbins.
“Creative Ice Theatre held auditions, developed choreography, purchased costumes and prepared for December performances of ‘The Nutcracker on Ice,’” she continued. “It was a disappointment for the skaters when they couldn’t perform live due to the December spike in COVID-19 cases. The Nutcracker was ultimately filmed and provided to its audience virtually, but this was the start of what is now an annual family event.”
Robbins added, “The skaters, all ages, work hard throughout the fall and are thrilled to perform before a live audience in mid-December.”
For more information or to purchase tickets for reserved seating available at $25, $30, $35 and $40, plus small handling fee, visit, creativeicetheatre.ticketleap.com/2023nutcracker-on-ice.
Creative Ice Theatre was founded in December 2013 by Marina Gromova and Yevgeny Martynov.
Seven Bridges Ice Arena is located at 6690 IL-53 in Woodridge.
Photos courtesy Whitney Robbins.
