THE FAMILY SERIES - EVENING dates

The Nutcracker - Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Sylvia - Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM

Giselle - Friday, June 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM

The Nutcracker

Enter the enchanting world of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a beloved Houston holiday tradition that continues to captivate audiences year after year. Renowned for its artistry and grandeur, this magical production features hundreds of delightful characters, breathtaking sets, and classical music that transport audiences into a dazzling world of holiday wonder. Join Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince on a whimsical journey through the shimmering Land of Snow and into the delicious Kingdom of Sweets. Watch as they dance with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds and experience true magic unfolding onstage. With new surprises to discover at every performance, The Nutcracker offers an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.

Sylvia

Three women. Two worlds. One epic story of love. Stanton Welch’s Sylvia blends Greek mythology into a powerful story of love where three fierce women drive the narrative: Sylvia, the fearless huntress; Artemis, the commanding goddess; and Psyche, the compassionate mortal. Anchoring the tale, Sylvia is struck by Eros’ arrow, causing her to fall in love with a mortal shepherd. Welch’s multilayered narrative dives between mythical and human realms as the three heroines journey on their own path to love, leading to a tale of mayhem, mischief, magic, and romance. Underscoring it all is Léo Delibes’ masterful score, which Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky once praised for its “charm, elegance, richness of melody, rhythm, and harmony.”

Giselle

Stanton Welch’s reimagined version of one of ballet’s most revered works, Giselle, is a cornerstone of 19th-century Romanticism. Giselle tells the heart-wrenching story of a peasant girl tragically betrayed by an aristocrat posing as a commoner. Premiering in 2016, Welch’s fresh interpretation for Houston Ballet draws upon the unedited 1941 version of Adolphe Adam’s score, expanding the narrative to offer dancers greater emotional depth in their roles. Giselle is brought to life by acclaimed Italian designer Roberta Guidi di Bagno through stunning sets and costumes. While the original 1841 version by Marius Petipa is a hallmark of classical ballet for its groundbreaking storytelling and psychological depth, Giselle also holds a special place in Houston Ballet’s history. In 1967, a one-night-only performance by Nina Popova’s ballet school ignited the city’s passion for ballet, ultimately leading to the founding of Houston Ballet in 1969.