Well, figuratively speaking. Unless you’re one of the 67 Boston Ballet Nutcracker ballerinas performing a magical rendition of the classic holiday tale from Boston Ballet Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen! This year’s Boston Ballet Nutcracker show runs from November 29 through December 29.
The Boston Ballet Nutcracker
This performance feels like a Hallmark movie in a hug! From the contagious energy of the crowd to the inspiring twirls, flips, tendus, plies, and splits of the international ballerinas on stage, the show truly feels like a winter wonderland. There are performers from over 14 countries. Some dressed in dazzling tutus or airy empire-waist gowns, and others waring dressed as fluffy white bunnies in costumes made from rows of tulle.
The Boston Ballet Nutcracker, which became a part of the annual lineup in 2012, is one of its largest productions! You’ll witness over 350 costumes handmade by award-winning costume designer, Robert Perdziola and his team. The magical experience is further amplified by the renowned score from Tchaikovsky led by Mischa Santora and performed by the second-largest musical organization in New England, the Boston Ballet Orchestra.
The set design is remarkable, with faux snow creating an indoor winter wonderland, floating clouds that carry the dancers away, and manual carriages that effortlessly glide along the stage. The lighting design from Mikki Kunuttu makes it impossible not to lose yourself in the magic of it all.
Nissinen’s Nutcracker “is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas’ title The Tale of the Nutcracker, adapted from E.T.A Hoffman’s 1818 story of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
Citizen’s Bank Opera House is decked out for the holidays
The Opera House came to fruition in 1927, making it a 97-year-old Boston institution. It’s held many purposes throughout its tenured existence, ranging from a movie theater to the current spot we know and love.
For the Nutcracker and holidays, the Citizen’s Bank Opera House is dressed in dazzling trees, cheerful mistletoes, and an abundance of ruby-red trims! While there is no specific dress code, the Boston crowd dressed to the nines with an abundance of hair bows, suits, ballet flats (on pointe!), plaid, tartan, and more!
The Boston Ballet Bear
This beary talented performer(pictured above) showed off some impressive high splits, kicks, and back spins during the first act of The Nutcracker performance. First introduced in 1995, the Ballet Bear has become somewhat of an unofficial mascot for the ballet- with fans recruiting the bear for special holiday happenings around Boston.
Gearóid Solan notes that the costume is surprisingly light, despite how it may appear. Fabricated from mesh and tulle, these airy fabrics provide plenty of breathability and collectively the costume is just 10 pounds. However, due to the loose-fitting nature of the bear costume, Rines has to be extra exaggerated and communicative with body language to ensure motions and gestures translate to connectivity with the audience.
Boston Ballet tickets and more info
Tickets for the Boston Ballet Nutcracker can be reserved in advance online. Boston Ballet tickets for the Nutcracker are available select Tuesdays through Sundays from November 29 through December 29. Prices start from $25 but vary by date, time, and seating.
The Nutcracker will also have two special performances during its 44-show run this season. On December 6 at 1:30 PM, a unique “sensory-friendly” show takes place for neurodiverse guests. The closing show on December 29 at 6 PM will feature special on-stage moments to commemorate the hard work of the entire Boston Ballet team this season.