After high hopes of mounting an in-person, socially distanced “Nutcracker” this season, Cincinnati Ballet has announced that the production will be digital only. The reason is due to the ongoing surge of coronavirus locally.

“Given the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases across the region, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person performances of The Nutcracker at Cincinnati Music Hall,” said Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO Scott Altman, in a statement. “We have a responsibility to the community to do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. While we will dearly miss performing for live audiences, we are producing and recording a re-imagined, hour-long performance everyone can enjoy in the comfort and safety of their own homes. We could think of no better gift for the community this holiday season.”

It is being reimagined as The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, and performances will be free.

The performance will be recorded at Cincinnati Music Hall following strict health and safety protocols. The production will feature Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s whimsical choreography, Main Company dancers, and gorgeous sets and costumes.

“All those magical moments we share together each year remain in this production,” said Morgan. “Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, plus we’ve added a few surprises just for this digital version.”

A unique element is that the company’s partner in the pit, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, will create a recording of Tchaikovsky’s score for this special performance. Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone will conduct 35 CSO musicians for the recording at Music Hall.

Cincinnati Ballet successfully created live, in-person performances for Ballet in the Park and Cincinnati Made earlier this season.

More details will be announced in the coming days. Information: cballet.org.