The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker (Photo: Cheryl Mann)
Today, the Joffrey Ballet announced cancellations through December 2020 in light of the COVID-19 crisis. This means the outright cancellation of two productions: Manon, which was to launch the season in October, and Christopher Wheeldon’s Nutcracker, which was created specifically for the Joffrey and Chicago. Combined with the cancellation of Don Quixote, which was set to close the 2019-20 season in April and May, Joffrey is facing a shortfall greater than $6.5 million, the statement announces.
An especially significant aspect of these cancellations is the outsized financial importance of The Nutcracker: in the release, Joffrey president and CEO Greg Cameron disclosed that the perennial holiday favorite accounts for more than half of the company’s earned revenue each year.
Without these performances, the company has established a crisis fund to help bridge some of the financial gaps.
At this time, Joffrey’s two other programs in its season, for winter and spring 2021, are still scheduled as planned, inaugurating the company’s new home at the Lyric Opera House. Two-program subscriptions are available for purchase.
ALSO ANNOUNCED TODAY: Lyric Cancels Performances Until January 2021
For more information, visit joffrey.org.
