We’re currently experiencing technical difficulties with all Boston Ballet School registration (excluding Adult Dance Program). Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue. If you have any questions please email school@bostonballet.org.
We are experiencing intermittent issues on our website today. If you are having trouble ordering online, please reference the following:
For tickets or subscriptions: Call 617.695.6955 or email tickets@bostonballet.org.
For Boston Ballet School, please call 617.456.6333 or email school@bostonballet.org.
For Donor Relations, please call 617.456.6332 or email annualfund@bostonballet.org.
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker By Ernesto Galan
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker
November 29–December 29, 2024.
Ji Young Chae in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini
Join Clara Silberhaus one magical Christmas Eve as she travels to the Kingdom of the Sweets. Along the way, experience the excitement of the dancing bear, the growing Christmas tree, the battle with the mice, and the Nutcracker who comes to life! 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.
Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini
At Boston Ballet, The Nutcracker is so much more than a holiday show. This spectacular program includes some of the most technically challenging choreography in classical ballet. From the grand pas de deux to the enchanting snow scene, and the high-flying Russian dancers, the ballet includes stunning performances from every single dancer on stage. It also includes exciting performances of 83 students from the Boston Ballet School.
“The performance was exquisite. The dancers are impeccable. The orchestra played beautifully. The sets are stunning. Funny mice, great bear, cute kids—all part of the charm. The athleticism of the dancers is wonderful.”
-2023 Audience Member
Photo by Liza Voll
P.I. Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker score is as magical as it is memorable. Every single performance is accompanied by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, New England’s second largest! The spectacular score is performed brilliantly by the Boston Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Mischa Santora.
Paul Craig and Maya Yanez in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini
This version of the classic tale, created for Boston Ballet in 2012, is one of the largest productions the Company has ever created, engaging craftspeople from across the United States. Acclaimed, award-winning scenic and costume designer Robert Perdziola illustrated more than 40 sketches. These 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 Kingdom of the Sweets. The production also incorporated more than 350 beautifully intricate costumes, designed by Perdziola.
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR
*SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
**COLLEGE NIGHT
For important information about attending performances, CHECK OUT OUR FAQs
Performance Run Time: Approximately two hours including one intermission.
Please Note: The music in some ballets may be loud depending on where you are sitting and your own comfort level. Please plan accordingly.
With Appreciation
Boston Ballet is grateful to PNC Bank for its generous support as Presenting Sponsor of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. Additional support provided by Media Partner, WBUR.
Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Bear, Harlequin, and Ballerina Doll
Video by Ernesto Galan
Highlight Clip from Act I of The Nutcracker
Children's Dance from the Party Scene
Video by Ernesto Galan
Choreography
Mikko Nissinen
Music
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Set and Costume Design
Robert Perdziola
Lighting Design
Mikki Kunttu
Original Premiere
Dec 18, 1892, Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg, Russia
World Premiere
Nov 23, 2012, Boston Ballet, Citizens Bank Opera House, Boston, USA
It is Christmas Eve in a small town in Germany, in the 1820s. In the town square, the mysterious Drosselmeier presents a performance in his Children’s Street Theatre and then hurries off to the Silberhaus’ Christmas party with his gifts.
Explore
Principal Dancers Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum share why they love to perform Snow Queen and King in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. Discover how this snowy scene brings so much warmth to the stage.
Principal Dancer Viktorina Kapitonova shares how she hopes everyone will believe in magic when they watch her twinkle on stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER.
Hear from Principal Dancers Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on performing Dew Drop in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER. From the glistening tutu to the ethereal music, hear about their favorite parts of performing this role with the support of their beautiful flowers.
Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio shares why performing the role of the Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is so special to him.
Principal Dancers John Lam and Paul Craig share their take on Drosselmeier, Clara’s beloved uncle. Hear how performing this role brings the magic of THE NUTCRACKER alive.
Uncover the chronicles of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades.
Explore
How well do you know Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker? Get the inside scoop on New England’s most beloved holiday tradition.
Explore
From studio to stage, bringing Mother Ginger to life is a feat as large as her skirt.
Explore
Go behind the scenes and get your paws on the secrets behind Boston’s most beloved Bear.
Explore
Go behind the scenes as the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King get ready for the season’s biggest showdown.
Watch Boston Ballet’s dancers in this sneak peek of The Nutcracker’s Snow Scene with a little extra sparkle and magic thrown in.
Principal Dancer Paul Craig and Second Soloist Diana Albrecht demonstrate a whirlwind of costume changes in The Nutcracker.
