Share the enchantment.

Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker
November 29–December 29, 2024.

CASTING
DIGITAL PROGRAM
BEHIND THE SCENES

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Ji Young Chae in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker by Brooke Trisolini

The Story

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

The Dancing

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

The Music

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

The History

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

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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

Arabian Coffee

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

Mother Ginger

Video by Ernesto Galan

Highlight Clip from Act II of The Nutcracker

French Marzipan

Video by Ernesto Galan

Final Preparations for The Nutcracker

Video by Ernesto Galan

BEHIND THE SCENES

Read the full story: The Nutcracker

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

Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum on The Nutcracker’s Snow Scene

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.

Viktorina Kapitonova on performing Sugar Plum Fairy

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.

Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on Dew Drop

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.

Jeffrey Cirio on performing the Nutcracker Prince

Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio shares why performing the role of the Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is so special to him.

John Lam and Paul Craig on Drosselmeier

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.