Discover the Prairie Nutcracker - a Holiday Tradition Found Only in Reno County!

The Prairie Nutcracker reimagines a beloved classic through the lens of Kansas frontier life at the Historic Fox Theatre in Hutchinson, Reno County.

• Dates: December 12–14, 2025 Hutchinson Fox Theatre.

• Venue: Hutchinson’s Historic Fox Theatre, an Art Deco landmark built in 1930. 

• Showtimes: Fri & Sat at 7:30 PM; Sun at 3:00 PM Hutchinson Fox Theatre.

• Audience: A heart-warming show suitable for families (not recommended for children under 4).

Prairie Nutcracker debuted in 2000 by the local dance studio ArtisTree as a unique Kansas-themed adaptation of the classic Nutcracker holiday ballet. Instead of the traditional European setting, this version is set on the Kansas prairie in 1869, celebrating the pioneer spirit and heartland traditions while keeping the magic and music of the original story. 

The score is adapted from Tchaikovsky’s original music by Boston composer Rick Kuethe, giving the familiar melodies a fresh heartland-flavored feel.

Presented bienially by the Prairie Nutcracker Foundation, this beloved holiday production brings together local dancers, musicians, and community performers alongside talented dancers traveling in from across the region, creating a joyful celebration of hometown pride and regional artistry on the Fox Theatre stage. For more information about the Prairie Nutcracker go to www.prairienutcracker.com 

After this year, your next opportunity to see Prairie Nutcracker will be on December 10-12, 2027!