Boston Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER

Boston Ballet proudly presents the return of Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker. Since its world premiere in 2012, Mikko Nissinen and Robert Perdziola's re-envisioned production has been delighting audiences and critics alike. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky's renowned score, opens November 29 with performances through December 30 at the Boston Opera House.

"The Nutcracker has become a cornerstone of Boston's holiday arts scene," said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "It is the perfect introduction to ballet for all ages with its iconic score, breathtaking costumes, and exquisite dancing. The technically challenging production also presents an opportunity for growth within the Company, allowing dancers to explore a variety of roles."

For the first time in his new role, newly-appointed Music Director Mischa Santora will conduct the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the second largest musical organization in New England. Most recently, Santora was the artistic director of the Spotlight Series at MacPhail Center for Music and the Minneapolis Music Company. He guest conducted for seven Boston Ballet performances of John Cranko's Romeo & Juliet last season.

This year's production of The Nutcracker incorporates two artistic updates. First, Nissinen will refresh the choreography for the Chinese divertissement. Second, a Company dancer will join Boston Ballet School students in performing the role of Clara, enhancing the students' learning experience and cultivating mentorship between Company and student dancers.

The Nutcracker includes the full Company of 55 dancers, 10 Boston Ballet II dancers, and 250 Boston Ballet School students. The 41-performance run will feature many dancer debuts in new roles, showcasing the vast talent within the Company and providing many opportunities for dancers to shine in soloist and principal roles.

Nissinen's The Nutcracker marked the first time Boston Ballet built a new production entirely from the ground up, engaging crafts men and women from all over the United States. Robert Perdziola illustrated more than 40 sketches that were transformed into the production's larger-than-life sets that range from calm, subtle colors in the Act I party scene to vibrant colors in Act II's Nutcracker Kingdom. The 2012 production also incorporated more than 350 beautifully intricate costumes and fine-tuned choreography. New lighting design by renowned Finnish designer Mikki Kunttu was added in 2015.

Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker is based on the libretto by Alexandre Dumas père titled The 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.

For a full synopsis and additional details, visit bostonballet.org.

Related Events

Nutcracker Study Break Night: Thursday, December 6 at 7:30 pm

Boston Ballet presents the fourth year of Study Break Night, a one-night event for college students to relax during exam week with a pre-performance concert by the Boston College Acoustics and student discounts at the Boston Ballet Shop.

Corporate Night at The Nutcracker: Wednesday, December 12 at 5 pm

Business leaders, clients, and staff are invited to experience the beloved holiday classic with a one-of-a-kind festive cocktail reception, character meet-and-greet, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, followed by the performance.

All-Access Nutcracker: Sunday, December 2 at 6 pm

This performance will feature additional accommodations, events, and support designed to make the show more accessible and enjoyable for the community, including: large print programs, live audio description, audio-enhanced equipment, ASL interpretation, specialized seating options, and a digital "social story" to preview the Opera House experience and story of The Nutcracker. In conjunction with the all-access performance, there will be a Touch Tour during intermission in the Opera House lobby, which will allow participants to physically and tactilely experience elements of the show such as props, costumes, characters, and movement.

All 41 performances of The Nutcracker will take place at the Boston Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111).

Tickets start at $37. For more information, visit bostonballet.org/nutcracker or call 617.695.6955.