Boston Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’: An Annual Amazement

The annual gatherings with turkey-filled plates and frantic retail adventures mark the end of fall festivities, and the Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” marks the beginning of wintry celebrations. The giant, string light-adorned figurines of the ballet’s characters scattered throughout Downtown Crossing enliven the streets surrounding the ornate Citizens Bank Opera House, the venue of all Boston Ballet performances since 2009. Yet, the exquisite architecture and cheerful decorations were only the beginning of an incredible production of Boston Ballet’s "The Nutcracker."

Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” follows the classic tale of an aspiring ballerina named Clara Silberhaus, played by Sophia Jones, as she navigates both the stress and magic of the Christmas season. Attendees were greeted with a puppet theater facade that quickly lifted to reveal a dark, 19th-century German street crawling with various figures. The pace picked up with a startling cannon blast that revealed the evocative Schuyler Wijsen as Clara’s uncle, Herr Drosselmeier. With another set change, the audience was transported into the beautiful home of Clara and her family on Christmas Eve, just in time for festivities.

Despite the commotion on the stage with children, parents, and grandparents gallivanting about, there were multiple noticeable mishaps detracting from the wonder of the scene. Duos and soloists danced beautifully, but larger groups were slightly out of sync or had noticeably different arm positions. The inclusion of the Boston Ballet School and Boston Ballet Company II enlivened the stage with a range of heights and choreography difficulty, but it was initially unclear which dancers were professionals and which were not.

Luckily, it seemed the jitters wore off as the show progressed. The scene began to quickly develop as the children fought after receiving their gifts, leading to Clara’s new nutcracker being broken by her brother, Fritz, played by Tristan de Ris. Jones stood out as a technically advanced dancer, yet she was able to mirror the weightlessness of the younger dancers while dancing en pointe. The smooth transition into the late evening marked the show hitting its stride rhythmically, as scenes became quicker and dancers excelled at their choreography.

The mice humorously taking the stage eased tensions for younger viewers as the audience watched Clara triumph over the elegant vermin. Swept away by a cloud, Clara and the Prince then journeyed to the entrancing Magical Forest. Ji Young Chae as the Snow Queen and Jeffery Cirio dancing the part of the Snow King were a beautiful partnership that epitomized the magic of both ballet and a simple yet effective set. Joined by the proficient younger dancers of the Boston Ballet School, the pair graced the stage as they awaited Clara and the Prince.

Following their tour of the Kingdom of the Sweets, Clara and the Prince took elevated seats as they watched the sweets-inspired dances. While each individual dance was relatively short, they were clearly crafted and performed with much care. Occasionally, an unsteady turn or misstep snuck up, but competency of the dancers was evident as they continued despite these mishaps. Now serving as a background for the ever-changing stage, Clara and the Prince not only acted through the entirety of the scene but embodied the amazement and shock of journeying to a magical land, which made for a fulfilling resolution.

Curiously, when the young lambs began to dance with the shepherdesses, the littlest one scurried on from the wings and elicited a chuckle from the audience. For better or worse, the elegance of the ballet dancers was nearly outshone by the adorable lambs standing dutifully while awaiting their next cue. Upon their exit, the same littlest lamb straggled behind the rest and made for another cute moment.

The adorable and possibly choreographed lateness was completely resolved in the next scene, which was filled with gorgeous lines and extensions, tight turns, and crisp poses. Finally, as though nothing had happened, Clara fell asleep with the wooden nutcracker as one from each of the groups from the Kingdom of the Sweets reappeared to wish her a good night at long last.

This rendition of “The Nutcracker” was a stunning production coupled with humor, a satisfying amount of human touch, and the usual technical prowess of Boston Ballet dancers. The story itself is a classic alone, but this year’s show is perfect for all ages to experience the childlike wonder of Christmas once again.

–Staff writer Madelyn E. McKenzie can be reached at madelyn.mckenzie@thecrimson.com.