Nutcracker sets recovered after ballet company’s moving truck stolen in Toronto

Police have now located a truck that contained backdrops and large set pieces for an Ontario ballet company’s production of the Nutcracker after it was stolen in Etobicoke on Monday.

Ballet Jörgen said a moving truck containing vital set pieces and backdrops for its travelling production of the Nutcracker was parked in a lot in Etobicoke when it was stolen at around 2:30 a.m. on Monday.

The crew launched its provincewide tour on Nov. 20 in North Bay and had made a quick stop in Toronto before heading to Burlington for performances this week.

“Our crew went to pick up the truck this morning, and it was gone,” Stephen Word, Ballet Jörgen’s general manager, told CTV News Toronto on Monday.

On Tuesday morning, the ballet company confirmed that the truck was recovered “thanks to the swift and dedicated efforts of Peel Regional Police.”

“Every set and backdrop for The Nutcracker is safe, intact, and ready to bring holiday magic to communities across Ontario as originally planned,” a news release issued by Ballet Jörgen read.

The group thanked Burlington residents and the City of Burlington for their “rallying spirit” that allowed the performances to go forward at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre this week.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from across the province and beyond,” the release read.

“We also extend heartfelt appreciation to Alberta Ballet for their generous offer to share their own Nutcracker sets—a true testament to the strength and solidarity of Canada’s arts community.”

With files from Alex Arsenych