Boston Ballet’s beloved production of The Nutcracker, New England’s holiday tradition for over 40 years, takes the stage at the beautifully restored Boston Opera House, November 27 – December 27, 2009. All 34 performances of this season’s production are presented by State Street Corporation. The 2009 Nutcracker will feature the entire Company, more than 250 children from Boston Ballet School, and the timeless Tchaikovsky score performed live by the Boston Ballet Orchestra. All performances take place at The Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street, Boston. Additionally, Boston Ballet and The Nutcracker will make over 30 special appearances at local events during the holiday season.
“Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a Nutcracker like no other,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “Our production is a chance to experience virtuoso dancing, an enchanting story and magical special effects, all of which have captivated audiences of all ages for more than 40 years. This year the Tchaikovsky score will sound sweeter than ever, coming from the newly renovated orchestra pit.”
Following the opening of The Nutcracker last season, The Boston Globe wrote, “The Nutcracker provides a sugar rush into the holiday season. The company’s version of this beloved classic sports vivid, imaginative scenery, captivating special effects, substantive choreography and exquisite dancing.” The students from Boston Ballet School were hailed as “adorable, focused and disciplined” handling serious pattern and partner work with “impressive aplomb.”
This lavish production features Nissinen’s own choreography which infuses the classical traditions of The Nutcracker with fresh, neo-classical style giving it a vibrant and energized feel. The choreography is complemented by the full Boston Ballet Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Jonathan McPhee, spectacular sets designed by Helen Pond and Herbert Senn, intricate and whimsical costumes by David Walker and Charles Heightchew and an innovative lighting design by Alexander Nichols. This year, the beloved costumes for the party scene children, as well as the cavalry and various headpieces, have been remade by the Boston Ballet Costume Shop.
State Street Corporation, one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, is presenting sponsor of this year’s production. State Street also plays a major role in Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker Magic event, to be held this year on December 10 at The Ritz-Carlton. Nutcracker Magic is a corporate event in support of Boston Ballet’s Share the Magic program, which sends more than 3,000 children to Boston Ballet productions each year. Hannah Grove, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Marketing for State Street, will chair the event for the third consecutive year.
“State Street Corporation has been a generous supporter of Boston Ballet’s education and outreach programs for over twenty years,” said Nissinen. “The Nutcracker represents the important bond between Boston Ballet’s work on stage, Boston Ballet School’s work in the studios, and the organization’s impact in the community. State Street Corporation’s continued commitment to this production and to Boston Ballet is a testament to their long-standing involvement in the Boston community.”
The Nutcracker, a classical ballet in two acts based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, follows the enchanting journey of young Clara, who receives a Nutcracker as a gift at a Christmas Eve party. Her nutcracker is ultimately transformed into a handsome young prince, who leads her through an enchanted forest and on to the Palace of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Among the ballet’s most famous and memorable moments are a battle between toy soldiers and overgrown mice, a Christmas tree that grows to huge heights, the pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, and a shimmering snow scene.
For more information about The Nutcracker including Nutcracker events around Boston, Nutcracker diaries, video and images of the production, click here.
Since 1963, Boston Ballet has been one of the leading dance companies in the world on stage, in the studio and in the community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Executive Director Barry Hughson, the Company maintains an internationally acclaimed repertoire and the largest ballet school in North America, Boston Ballet School.
Boston Ballet maintains a repertoire of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works, ranging from full-length story ballets to new works by some of today's finest choreographers. Boston Ballet's second company, Boston Ballet II, is comprised of pre-professional dancers who gain experience by performing with the Company and independently, presenting lecture-demonstrations and special programs to audiences throughout the Northeast.
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access and reaches more than 10,000 students ages 2-adult each year through Boston Ballet School classes, Summer Dance Workshop, Summer Dance Program, Citydance, Taking Steps, and Adaptive Dance. The wide array of dance programs are held at four studio locations in Boston, Newton, Norwell and Marblehead, as well as community centers and in Boston Public Schools.
