José Mateo Ballet Theatre Presents THE NUTCRACKER at Two Glorious Boston Theatres

Now in its 31st Season, José Mateo Ballet Theatre presents its treasured production of The Nutcracker at two of Boston's finest theatres this holiday season. After a long-awaited triumphant return to the Theatre District last season, the Company returns to The Cutler Majestic Theatre (Nov.25-December 4) and for the sixth consecutive season returns to The Strand Theatre in Dorchester (Dec.9-18) with an extended run.

Both theaters provide the perfect venue for a recently refreshed version of Mateo's 29th annual production of the holiday classic featuring wondrous sets and costumes newly developed in 2015 by noted scenic designer Laura C. McPherson. http://www.mcphersonscenicdesign.com/about.htm.

Choreographed by Artistic Director José Mateo, and inspired by Tchaikovsky's glorious score, Mateo's 'Nutcracker' brings Clara's dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing.

Over 200 children, ages 6-18 from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, join Ballet Theatre's skilled company dancers as Party Children, Mice, Soldiers, Polichinelles, Cherubs, and Angels. It is the only professional Nutcracker production in the area to hold open auditions for students outside of its own school.

Nutcracker Spotlight: Beloved Mother Ginger John Wilpers Retires

After 20 years of donning the hoop skirt, make-up, and stilts, beloved Mother Ginger, John Wilpers will take his final bow this Nutcracker season and officially retire the role that warmed the hearts of Boston audiences for over two decades. A resident of Marshfield, with a long-time media career including positions at The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Editor-in-chief at Community Newspaper Company, and now Senior Director/USA at Innovation International Media Consulting, John's stint as Mother Ginger is not his day job. It all came about as his daughter, age 10 at the time, was cast in The Nutcracker and John volunteered for the role of a lifetime, not knowing it would span over two decades, include over 300 performances at 6 different theater locations, and involve minding over 250 children as Mother Ginger'sPolichinelles!

John Wilpers and Artistic Director José Mateo are available for interviews. John will also be available for photo opps as Mother Ginger at The Nutcracker Media Preview on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, 6:30-8:00 pm at The Sanctuary Theatre, 400 Harvard St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Contact Julie Miller (312) 771-9930 orjhayenmiller@yahoo.com.

JMBT's Dorchester Studio: In Dorchester Beyond The Nutcracker

In keeping with its long-term vision to provide dance opportunities to all in the Boston area, JMBT's Young Dancers Program is now in its second year at its newly launched Dorchester Studio at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 14 Cushing Avenue. Due to the success of the Dorchester studio, this year's Nutcracker has more children from the Greater Dorchester area in the production than ever before with over 30 local dancers! With classes for children ages 3-9, the Dorchester Studio will grow in future years to offer classes for students of all ages. Classes are open to boys and girls of all backgrounds. No dance experience necessary. http://www.ballettheatre.org/young-dancers-program-dorchester/

Nutcracker Tickets

Tickets for both theaters: $75, $52, $40, $20

The Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston

Go to https://cutlermajestic.org/Online/default.asp or call (617) 824-8000

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