A firm family favourite with Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score, a Christmas tree that magically grows, a battle between toy soldiers and an Army of Mice, and the famous role of the Sugar Plum Fairy danced by Royal Ballet Principal Sarah Lamb with her Prince, Principal dancer Steven McRae. Peter Wright’s enchanting production tells the story of Clara, danced by Royal Ballet Principal Francesca Hayward, whose Christmas is transformed by a visit from Drosselmeyer, a mysterious magician and maker of magical toys. Drosselmeyer longs to break a curse that has turned his nephew, danced by Australian Principal Alexander Campbell, into a nutcracker doll. Matched with exquisite designs and world-famous melodies, this production of The Nutcracker has enthralled audiences for over 30 years since its opening in 1984.

Alex and his sister break up couples for a living. From Morocco to Monaco to Paris, no location is too far and no challenge is too great. With a 100% success rate, they’re at the top of their game. When a wealthy man hires them to break up his daughter and her boyfriend, the rules start to bend. After a thorough investigation, there is no doubt that they are the perfect couple. Money problems, however, cause them to take on the job. After a couple of days with Juliette, even Alex, the most professional of professionals can’t resist her allure. It’s looking like the agency’s reputation is at stake, and for the first time ever, the heartbreaker risks being the victim of a broken heart!

Mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine reprises her remarkable portrayal of opera’s ultimate seductress, a triumph in her 2017 debut performances, with impassioned tenor Roberto Alagna as her lover, Don José. Louis Langrée conducts for Sir Richard Eyre’s powerful production, a Met favorite since its 2009 premiere.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Michael Mayer’s richly textured new production, featuring a dazzling 18th-century setting that changes with the seasons. Soprano Diana Damrau plays the tragic heroine, Violetta, and tenor Juan Diego Flórez returns to the Met for the first time in five seasons to sing the role of Alfredo, Violetta’s hapless lover. Baritone Quinn Kelsey is Alfredo’s father, Germont, who destroys their love.

In what should be a highlight of the new season, soprano Anna Netrebko sings her first Met Aida, going toe-to-toe with mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris. Tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko sings as Radamès, and Nicola Luisotti take the podium for the Met’s monumental production.