Boston Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ on stage now through Dec. 27

BOSTON – How sweet it is – the timeless enchanting tale of the Nutcracker is being brought to life by the Boston Ballet at The Opera House now through Dec. 27. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year in which Boston Ballet is performing the timeless classic “The Nutcracker,” a classical ballet in two acts based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann.Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen’s production features the entire Boston Ballet and more than 250 children from Boston Ballet School.”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,” Nissinen said. ” This year the Tchaikovsky score will sound sweeter than ever, coming from the newly renovated orchestra pit.”The production, which is true to the original storyline, is full of opulent sets, dazzling costumes and perfect Pointe. The story is set in a small German town on Christmas Eve 1835 and the Silberhaus family is preparing for a holiday party.As the parents decorate the Christmas tree, the Governess attends to the Silberhaus children, Clara and Fritz. The festivities are underway when Uncle Drosselmeier, Clara’s godfather and an old family friend, makes his entrance. He entertains the guests with his mechanical dancing dolls, which delight and amuse all in attendance. Drosselmeier presents Clara with a Nutcracker dressed as a soldier, which her brother immediately destroys. Drosselmeier examines the damage to the Nutcracker and after employing several magic gestures, he returns the doll to Clara.As the Christmas Eve festivities wind down in the Silberhaus home and everyone retires for the evening, the real magic begins when the Christmas tree in the Silberhaus home grows to a size that would rival the Christmas tree in Rockefeller CenterThe wicked Mouse King appears and challenges the Nutcracker to a duel. After the Nutcracker slays the Mouse King Drosselmeier reappears with a flourish and performs one last magical act- he transforms the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince, who takes Clara on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets.Nissinen, who has been fine-tuning the production since it moved to The Opera House in 2005, said the special effects are an audience favorite.”Children and adults love our production of The Nutcracker not just for the beautiful dancing, but also for the spectacular theatrics and special effects,” he said. “It’s the magical growing Christmas tree, the ethereal snow scene, the fantastic costumed characters and the world-class dancing that attract audiences to this holiday tradition.”The Boston Ballet Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition and with good reason- the show has a universal appeal and is sure to please everyone from seasoned ballet aficionados to young children.Here are some fun facts for the younger set about the production- the Sugar Plum Fairy’s glittering costume has more than 300 pink and white beads and it took 30 hours to hand-sew them onto her tutu. If all of the ballet pointe shoes used in one season of The Nutcracker were lined up from heel to toe, they would circle Boston Common and this season one ton of paper snow will fall on the Opera House stage.If You Go?The Nutcracker will be at The Opera House in Boston now through Dec. 29 and tickets range in price from $35 to $165. Tickets are available at www.bostonballet.com or by calling 617-695-6955.