The Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet Hosts the “Family Event of the Season”

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents the 16^th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held on Sunday, December 8th, 2013 at the beautiful and historic Standard Club (320 S. Plymouth Court).

The enchanting experience will feature entertainment for children and adults alike, a delicious family-friendly dinner, and of course, a thrilling matinee performance of Robert Joffrey’s holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Audience members will revel in the unforgettable holiday tradition complete with brilliant costumes, larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Co-chaired by Women’s Board members, Laura Kofoid and Carol Stone, the delightful event begins at 2:00 pm with The Joffrey’s performance ofThe Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre.  Following the ballet, guests will be whisked away on festive trolleys to The Standard Club of Chicago for cocktails, lively entertainment and dazzling “Activity Stations” the entire family can enjoy.

At 6:00 pm, guests will be seated in the Grand Ballroom for a delicious holiday meal, but will be encouraged to eat dessert first—as is customary in the “Land of Sweets.”  DJ Brad Blumenthal and Energy Productions will get everyone moving with music, dancing, games, and contests throughout the night.

Activity Stations:

• Candy Cupcake Decorating Station: Guests are invited to decorate cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery Chicago.
• Rock Candy Nail Station: Guests can stop for a festive manicure from Chicago’s own Rock Candy Salon & Spa.
• Nutcracker Party Photo Booth: Guests can stop by and take some fun photos in front of a green screen with Nutcracker backdrops to remember the night.
• Bubble Gum Bead Station: Guests can create their very own beaded jewelry and key chains.
• Marzipan Magic Tricks Station: Guests are invited to stop by and see “TheGreatFrankini” performing his magical tricks and surprises.
• Snowflake Spun Cotton Candy Station: Spin Spun All Natural Confections will provide guests with cotton candy spun right before their eyes.
• Gum Drop Graffiti Bar: Guests will be able to take home their very own, personalized, airbrushed t-shirt.
• Frutti Tutti Face Painting Station: Guests of all ages are invited to wear their holiday spirit on their sleeve—or in this case, their face—at this fun station.
• Chocolate Covered Candy Station: Sample and take home all of your favorite chocolate candy at this station sponsored by The Wrigley Company.
• Candy Cane Creativity Station: Guests will decorate authentic pointe shoes that are also memorable keepsakes of this fun, family event. Sponsored and provided by Allegro Dance Boutique.
• Peppermint Painting Station:  Sponsored by Land of Nod, this station will include safe-painting projects for girls, boys and adults who don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Each child who attends the event will receive a special gift from Michaels and a tote bag to store all their swag.

Ticket Information:

Event tickets include the matinee performance on Sunday, December 8^th of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 East Congress Parkway) and entry to The Standard Club following the performance.

Transportation via trolley will be available from the theater to The Standard Club for dinner guests’ convenience following the performance.

Ticket Levels:

• $400 Patron Adult Ticket

• Premiere Level 1 seating at The Nutcracker performance
• Patron ticket seating at Nutcracker Family Dinner
• Recognition of level of support on event signage and printed materials

• $250 Individual Adult Ticket

• Level 2 Performance seating at The Nutcracker performance
• Table seating at Nutcracker Family Dinner

• $225 Individual Child Ticket

• Level 2 Performance seating at The Nutcracker performance
• Table seating at Nutcracker Family Dinner

• $100 Nutcracker Cast Ticket

• Only available to Joffrey 2013 Nutcracker Children’s Cast members
• Nutcracker Family Dinner seating included
• Performance ticket not included

Tables are available for groups of ten and range from $3,850 to $25,000. Tables $7,500 and up include exciting benefits before, during and after the event on December 8^th.  Please visit www.Joffrey.org/NutDinner for more information.

About the Nutcracker Family Dinner

Often described as Chicago’s “family event of the season,” and now in its 16^th year, the Nutcracker Family Dinner continues to be an essential fundraising event for The Joffrey Ballet’s productions as well as the Joffrey’s Community Engagement programs, which are dedicated to sharing the art of dance with thousands of children each year, regardless of income.  This yearly event will kick off the holiday season and offer a remarkable day for families and children from toddlers to teens. For more information regarding ticket or donation inquiries, please contact Julia Doherty, Director of Special Events, at 312.386.8921 or nutdinner@joffrey.org.