Atlanta Ballet's 'Nutcracker' Returns for its 54th Season

There will be a new guest at the Petrov party this year when Atlanta Ballet brings its most popular production back to life. Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker," sponsored by Belk, Inc., will return to the Fabulous Fox Theatre Dec. 6-29, 2013, joined by special guest artist, master illusionist Drew Thomas.

After upping the magic ante in Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker" last season, artistic director John McFall has invited Thomas back. This year Thomas will not only add more illusions and special effects, but he'll also perform them during the first two weekends of the run, Dec. 6-15.

Thomas will take on the role of Herr Drosselmeyer, the mysterious, yet charming toymaker responsible for bringing young Marya's magical journey to life.

Since recreating "Nutcracker" in 1995, McFall has updated the production every year to keep it vibrant and fresh.

"For five decades now, Atlanta Ballet has been presenting 'Nutcracker,' and we've become a holiday tradition for many families in Atlanta," said McFall. "It's an honor, but also a great responsibility. Each year we want to make sure we preserve the tradition, but also keep the magic and the mystery alive. We are thoughtful about each change we make and confident that it will ultimately make for a more enchanting experience. The decision to add real magic and illusions was an easy one. Drew is an amazing talent and with him we've been able to let our imaginations run wild and take 'Nutcracker' to the next level."

Thomas actually began his professional career with McFall more than 20 years ago. McFall, who was then artistic director at Columbus, Ohio's Ballet Met, gave Thomas his first gig right out of high school, commissioning him to create the magic for the company's "Nutcracker." Since then, Thomas has offered his expertise to companies such as Six Flags, Sea World, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and the NBA's Orlando Magic, earning the praise of many industry insiders, including Jim Timon, VP of Entertainment at Universal Studios Orlando, who hailed Thomas as "a rare creative and extraordinary talent." He was most recently a finalist on NBC's hit reality-TV series "America's Got Talent," becoming one of the show's most popular acts.

What won't change in this year's production is the appearance of more than 250 Atlanta area school children performing alongside the professional company, which will be the first opportunity for many of them to experience the magic of being on the Fox Theatre stage. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, led by principal guest conductor Gary Sheldon, and the Georgia Youth Choir will also return for all performances.

Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker" runs for 22 performances Dec. 6 - 29 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 855-ATL-TIXX, in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office and the Atlanta Ballet Box Office, or online at www.atlantaballet.com. For groups of ten or more, call Atlanta Ballet Group Sales at 404-873-5811, ext. 207.

Atlanta Ballet's "Nutcracker" is sponsored by Belk, Inc.