The Boston Ballet Presents Mikko Nissinen's THE NUTCRACKER, 11/29-12/29

Carrying on New England's #1 Holiday Tradition, Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker returns to the stage November 29-December 29 at the Boston Opera House. Following its world premiere in 2012, the production gained record breaking popularity and dazzled audiences with its fresh sets and costumes that The New York Times hailed as, "elegant and theatrically striking." This year's production features the full company and over 250 Boston Ballet School students, along with the visionary designs of Robert Perdziola.

Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Robert Perdziola chose to set the new production in the early 1800s, in what many know as the Jane Austen era. Over 350 costumes were created, each handmade and custom painted to match Perdziola's exquisite designs. The innovative sets contain extensive amounts of moving scenery, making the entire production a truly magical experience. This was Perdziola's first commission from Boston Ballet.

"I couldn't be more thrilled with the new production," says Nissinen. "It's a sensational journey for those experiencing it for the first time, and for those who have been coming toThe Nutcracker for generations."

The 43-performances will feature 11 different casts, showcasing the vast talent within the Company, and providing many opportunities for dancers to shine in Soloist and Principal roles. Boston Ballet's newest additions to the roster, Principal Dancers Petra Conti and Eris Nezha, will make their company debuts in The Nutcracker. The couple will perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and The Nutcracker Prince, as well as the Snow Queen and King. Each performance will be accompanied by P.I. Tchaikovsky's renowned score, performed by the Boston Ballet Orchestra.

Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas père titledThe Tale of the Nutcracker, which is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The story follows the wondrous journey of young Clara, who receives a nutcracker as a gift at her family's Christmas Eve party. Later that night, her nutcracker magically transforms into a handsome prince, who leads her through an enchanted forest and on to the Nutcracker Prince's Kingdom. This timeless classic is presented by State Street Corporation.

All performances of The Nutcracker will take place at The Boston Opera House, November 29 - December 29, 2013.

For more information, please visit: www.bostonballet.org.

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