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Why see Boston Ballet - The Nutcracker?

NEW ENGLAND'S #1 RATED HOLIDAY CLASSIC BALLET!

The acclaimed Boston Ballet artistic director Mikko Nissinen's production of The Nutcracker returns this year. Working alongside costume and set designer Robert Perdziola, this reimagined production of The Nutcracker received rave reviews on its debut in 2012, and is returning to the Boston Opera House for another season!

WHAT IS THE NUTCRACKER ABOUT?

Inspired by the remarkable sepia to Technicolor storytelling method from The Wizard of Oz, this tale follows the extraordinary journey of Clara, a teenage girl who is given a beautiful nutcracker as a Christmas gift at a huge family ball on Christmas Eve. In the dead silence after the party has finished, the Nutcracker comes to life and takes Clara on a magical journey where she meets a host of characters, including fighting mice, toy soldiers, princesses, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Following a lavish ball hosted by her wealthy parents in their well-heeled European townhouse, Clara, exhausted by the excitement falls asleep under the family Christmas tree with her new Nutcracker doll. When she awakes, the tree has magically grown to over 40 feet high, and a mysterious prince who bears a striking resemblance to the doll greets Clara, and embarks with her on an adventure fighting life-sized mice, meeting beautiful fairies outlandish fairytale characters.

Their journey to the Kingdom of Sweets includes the famous dance sequences: Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, Trepak, Mirlitons, The Waltz of the Flowers and of course, the regal Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (and her Cavalier). As they are waved off by the magical party, Clara settles back with her Prince and falls back to sleep. But is this just a dream - or will she remember this adventure in the morning?

DID YOU KNOW?

The production takes a huge amount of preparation in time for each season. Since the unveiling of the new 2012 production, there are 72 artists from Boston Ballet working closely with 99 chosen students from Boston Ballet School, who have been selected to appear in the ballet. Up to 182 costumes appear during a single performance, with 350 individual ones having been made for different casts. Over 200,000 jewels were used to embroider the costumes, including the sparkly bodices on the lead dancers. The Christmas tree grows from a none-too-short 16 feet to a huuuge 43 feet during the battle scene.

Key Information

Audience

Suitable for audiences of ages two and up - perfect for the whole family

Run Time

Two hours with one intermission

Dates

Nov 29 - Dec 29

Creative

Choreography - Mikko Nissinen

Sets and Costumes - Robert Perdziola

Reviews

Customer reviews

6 reviews, average rating: (3.2 Stars)

Ted

Wonderful Family Outing

I was so impressed with the set, costumes and the entire performance. It was beautiful. Our family of 8 ranged from 15 to 80 years old and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Loved it. ... Read more

Steve

Excellent

Have attended many Nutcracker performances over the past fifty years. This one might be my favorite. Absolutely beautiful production and choreography. Orchestra perfectly synced. Dancers technically close to perfect and committed. A difficult task putting on a production of a long loved holiday classic. Everyone involved should be proud. Feelings of awe and emotions were stirred. Cheers to a wonderful rendition! ... Read more

Jeanine

Enchanting

I haven’t seen the Nutcracker for years. This is a delightful, fun rendition. Some comical moments included with stunning scenery. I loved it. Lots of children were at our performance. I can understand if they thought Act Ii was boring...it’s more serious ballet and not much for the kids. ... Read more

News

What to see in Boston this Holiday Season!

What to see in Boston this Holiday Season!

Wendy, October 22nd, 2019
From the Boston Ballet's magical Nutcracker to Irving Berin's magical White Christmas, the Holiday Season is a time when Boston really shines! A perfect way to keep the cold away by staying cosy inside the theatre....
Read more

What to see in Boston this Holiday Season!

What to see in Boston this Holiday Season!
Wendy, October 22nd, 2019
From the Boston Ballet's magical Nutcracker to Irving Berin's magical White Christmas, the Holiday Season is a time when Boston really shines! A perfect way to keep the cold away by staying cosy inside the theatre....
Read more

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