Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker 2009

The Boston Ballet’s signature Nutcracker is an enduring holiday classic that always delights .The ballet is based on the E.T.A. Hoffman fairy tale about a young girl, Clara, and her Nutcracker that transforms in her dream to a Prince and sweeps her away to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director Mikko Nissien’s  production manages to keep all ballet-goers involved; both the young and the not-so-young. There is lavish  staging with vivid costumes and special effects that include a Christmas tree that grows from 16 feet to 30 feet,  and a hot air balloon that lifts off the stage to carry Clara and her consort away.

The choreography is superb- from the young corps dancers to the principals featured in the “ethnic dances” to exquisite  pas de deux by the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier at the end of the second act. There’s plenty of comic relief  too.  In this production, Uncle Drosselmeier – everyone’s favorite uncle- is  a bit “edgy cool” and  practically steals the show with his magic and wizardry. Little known fact: Boston Ballet is the largest ballet school in the United States. And this Nutcracker showcases the talents of more than 250 local children in the production.

Jonathan McPhee conducts Tchaikovsky’s remarkable score in the orchestra pit- and concludes the show with heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Boston Ballet organization.

Make the Nutcracker part of your family holiday tradition. And if you bring your kids when they are six- years- old, don’t forget to bring them again when they are sixteen !

The Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker, The Boston Opera House , 539 Washington St.(Map) 617-695-6955, November 27-December 27, 2009, tickets $35-$162.

Take the T Green line to Park Street station or the T Orange or Red line to Downtown Crossing. The least expensive parking  in the area is at the Boston Common Garage (Zero Charles St., 617-954-2098)(Map).

Image Credit: Boston Ballet by Rosalie O’Connor, used with permission.