Philadelphia Dance Theatre first presented its production of The Nutcracker in 1999, and are delighted to continue this holiday tradition each winter. In 2011, PDT premiered a re-fashioned version of our traditional “Nutcracker,” entitled A Philadelphia Nutcracker set right here in Germantown, Northwest Philadelphia.

With choreography by Joy Delaney-Capponi, A Philadelphia Nutcracker is set in Victoria era Northwest Philadelphia. The production features backdrops of authentic period streetscapes, storefronts and homes from Germantown, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill by local artist Christopher Fox. The traditional party scene in Act I is now set in the Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue, a Gothic style home built in 1869, and The Land of the Snow Queen is set at “Tommy’s Hill,” the Northwest’s favorite sledding spot in Fairmount Park. Act II sets highlight several Germantown Avenue merchants where Clara and her Prince explore the shops and sample sweets from local bakers and candy makers.

A Philadelphia Nutcracker is a holiday classic that will stir your heart and imagination. Come on a magical journey from a postcard perfect Christmas Eve, through the snowy evergreen forest to an enchanted Kingdom of Sweets reminiscent of times gone by.