The Nutcracker Story

The Performing Arts Conservatory is bringing The Nutcracker Story to Castleton United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 21, 2026. It's a reimagining of the holiday classic, and it's a far cry from the Tchaikovsky version you've seen a dozen times. Instead of the usual orchestral score, this one is set to jazz, with music by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

That's not the only thing they've changed. The whole story is told through the eyes of teenagers, and the plot follows Clara on an imaginative journey built around original storylines created by TPAC students. It's a family-oriented show, so it works as much for kids as it does for adults who grew up with the original. The jazz gives it a completely different energy—more of a lively, storytelling feel than a traditional ballet.

There's a good amount of local support behind this one, too. The production is sponsored by the Indy Arts Council, the Indiana Arts Commission, and Firefly. It's a TPAC production through and through, from the student-written storylines to the jazz arrangements.

The show starts at 3 PM at Castleton United Methodist Church, 7101 Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Tickets are non-refundable, so keep that in mind before you book.