Boston Ballet presents Mikko Nissinen's THE NUTCRACKER

Boston Ballet proudly presents the return of Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker, the cherished family-friendly holiday tradition. Since its world premiere in 2012, Mikko Nissinen's and Robert Perdziola's re-envisioned production has been delighting audiences and critics alike. The Nutcracker opens November 24 at the Boston Opera House with performances through New Year's Eve.

"Whether they're seeing it again or for the first time, The Nutcracker inspires and delights audiences of all ages with its beloved score, exquisite sets and costumes, and spectacular dancing," said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "It is the cornerstone of classical ballet and the perfect way to start an exploration into the art of ballet and dance. It is also a great opportunity for growth within the Company because it is a technically challenging production that allows dancers to explore a variety of new roles and characters."

The Nutcracker includes the full Company of 56 dancers, 10 Boston Ballet II dancers, and 250 Boston Ballet School students. The 44-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. Each performance will be accompanied by Tchaikovsky's renowned score performed by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by three conductors: Principal Guest Conductor Beatrice Jona Affron and guest conductors Kenneth Hsieh and Geneviève Leclair.

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 Land of the Sweets. 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.