Grand Rapids Ballet's annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a tradition for many West Michigan families.

That tradition is about to experience some changes.

If it's not broke don't fix it, unless you can bring in world-class talent to make it even better.

That's exactly what Grand Rapids Ballet is doing.

On Tuesday, Grand Rapids Ballet announced a Tony Award-winning set designer will be helping them create a new version of "The Nutcracker".

Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar Express, will also be joining the project.

WZZM reports:

The new look for the classic ballet will include sets created by Eugene Lee, who has won Tony Awards for set design for Sweeney ToddWicked, and Candide. He will be working with Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of The Polar ExpressZathura, and Jumanji for the creative vision of the ballet performance. Also, Val Caniparoli will be the choreographer.

Looking forward to a new version of "The Nutcracker" in Grand Rapids.

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