George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation gives Ballet West $2 million for a revamped 'Nutcracker'

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Ballet West has big plans for a more spectacular "Nutcracker" in 2017 — and has received a $2 million grant to make it happen.

The Salt Lake City ballet troupe announced today that it will get a $2 million grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to update Ballet West founder Willam Christensen's beloved version of "The Nutcracker."

The new production will maintain Christensen's historic choreography, as well as Tchaikovsky's well-known score. The grant will go toward updating, redesigning and constructing fantastical sets, costumes and props.

Adam Sklute, Ballet West's artistic director, said in a statement that "during his lifetime, 'Mr. C' frequently updated 'The Nutcracker' to keep it fresh and alive, but he maintained the framework and charm of the story, which kept audiences coming back every year. Our intention with this generous gift from the Eccles Foundation is to keep the choreography exactly the same while updating the physical production."

Sklute added: "I'm looking forward to even incorporating some spectacular effects that 'Mr. C' originally imagined, but did not have the technology or funding to accomplish during his lifetime. This gift will help us honor his vision and move it into the future."

The current "Nutcracker" sets and costumes, designed by Ariel Ballif and David Heuvel, are 30 years old, and require extensive and costly refurbishments every season. The nationally acclaimed current production will get a farewell run this December. The new production will premiere in December 2017.

Sklute will oversee the new designs. To ensure the integrity of Mr. C's vision is maintained, Sklute will work closely with Christensen's family, company archivist Bruce Caldwell, and Bené Arnold, longtime Ballet West associate and Christensen's first Ballet Mistress.

"This re-investment into one of our cherished and beloved ballets will not only make it stronger, but also deliver a more vibrant production with which future generations can 'fall in love' all over again," Scott Altman, Ballet West's executive director, said in a statement.

"We are thrilled to partner with Ballet West to ensure that 'The Nutcracker' remains vibrant and exciting for future audiences," said Spencer F. Eccles, chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation.

Lisa Eccles, the foundation's president and COO, added, "Attending 'The Nutcracker' has been a special part of our family's holiday tradition for decades, just as it has for so many others. This production is going to bring with it a new kind of magic, with elements that will 'wow' every audience member!"