A G&F Extra: Behind the Seams with the Joffrey Ballet

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This year the Joffrey Ballet will transport audiences to a magical moment in the city’s history. Their holiday classic, The Nutcracker, will be set at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. Although we can’t wait to see new talent emerge on stage, we’re just as excited about the magic that happens behind the scenes. Follow us on an enchanting journey through the Joffrey Ballet costume shop and see what creations await in the wings.
The anticipated production of The Nutcracker features the vision of Costume Designer Julian Crouch. Originally from the UK, Julian is a Brooklyn-based theatre practitioner, artist, and musician, known for his groundbreaking production of Shockheaded Peter, Satyagraha at the Met Opera, and the Tony-nominated set of Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Julian’s costume and set designs are known for larger-than-life props and landscapes. And what really tickles our funny bone: Integration of live animation.
We chatted with Head of Wardrobe Ellie Cotey to give us a taste of The Nutcracker magic by the numbers. Mischievous mouse and rat heads: 12, plus one for the King. Toy soldier hats that can stay on through multiple jumps and leaps: 24. Wonderous dancing walnuts: 8. Flourishing flower couples: 12. Delicate and polished tutus: 10. And an innumerable amount of tights and ballet slippers!