It has been so long since I’ve sat in a theater for a live performance of any kind, and what better way to get back into this side of “normal” than with a visit to Boston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’!
Josh and I attended opening night of this year’s ‘Nutcracker’ season, and so we were actually there for Boston Ballet’s first day of live performances since March 2020. Like everyone else right now I’m sure, I do have a lot of pent up desire to go out and do things, but lots of events still aren’t quite back. So I was thrilled to see Boston Ballet announce its 2021-2022 season of in-person performances, especially starting with ‘The Nutcracker,’ along with all of the performances coming over the next year to the Boston Opera House.
Even my recent visit to the Boston Opera House for a tour of the building had me emotional, not only because I was simply out doing something again, but also because I have so many incredible memories seeing shows at the Opera House. And, ‘The Nutcracker’ is the perfect way to return to the theater and as one of my favorite holiday traditions I was super excited to have this one back!
‘The Nutcracker’ is truly a full experience that begins as soon as you step inside the Boston Opera House. While I definitely have more of an appreciation for it after taking the tour, I’ve always admired the beautiful decor and architecture and it is even more magical during the holidays with wreaths and Christmas trees lining the lobby.
As always, the ballet was spectacular, and I can’t recommend it enough as ‘The Nutcracker’ will always be my favorite way to celebrate the holidays in Boston. This year’s performance came with a couple of changes (I won’t give them away, so you’ll have to see if you notice them!) For health and safety precautions, Boston Ballet students under the age of twelve are performing in ‘The Nutcracker’ this year, but this was far from the only change, as there were a few new roles and other smaller changes so you’ll need to keep an eye out!
All of the dancers in ‘The Nutcracker’ were incredible; Especially memorable were Viktorina Kapitonova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Lia Cirio and Tigran Mkrtchyan as the Snow Queen and Snow King. ‘The Nutcracker’ also has some of the most beautiful costumes really in any stage production and I will always be in awe of the ombre tulle skirts and crystals that make up many of the costumes.
As far as COVID changes for this year, they are really minimal and do not take away from the experience at all. I know attending some events has become much more of a process as of late, but the only changes here were that we needed to show proof of vaccination (or recent negative COVID test) to enter the Boston Opera House and wear a mask while inside unless eating or drinking (Boston has an indoor mask mandate.) I would always get tickets to ‘The Nutcracker’ in advance anyway so the process of going to the show really isn’t much different right now! If you are planning to see ‘The Nutcracker’ this season though, you can review the full COVID policy here.
Tickets for ‘The Nutcracker’ start at $39 and may be purchased online at bostonballet.org, and performances run through December 26, 2021. Additional ballets in the 2021-22 season include ‘ChoreograpHER,’ ‘DREAMstate,’ ‘MINDscape,’ and ‘Swan Lake.’ Visit Boston Ballet’s website for tickets and details on the rest of the season.