BOSTON — Lynnfield resident Annabelle Curley is performing in Boston Ballet’s production of Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” in the roles of a Little Mouse in Act 1 and a Polichinelle in Act 2. Curley has been a student at Boston Ballet School for six years and is a fifth-grader at Shore Country Day School in Beverly. “The Nutcracker” is at the Citizens Bank Opera House through Dec. 29.
Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” marked the first time Boston Ballet built a new production entirely from the ground up. Robert Perdziola illustrated more than 40 sketches that 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 Nutcracker Kingdom. The production also incorporates more than 350 beautifully intricate costumes and fine-tuned choreography. New lighting design by renowned Finnish designer Mikki Kunttu was added in 2015.
All children performing in The Nutcracker are students of Boston Ballet School and coached by an experienced staff including artistic director Nissinen, school director Margaret Tracey, children’s ballet master Miranda Weese, and the school’s faculty. Students auditioned and started rehearsing for the production in October. The Boston Ballet Orchestra is conducted by music director Mischa Santora.
Participating in a full-length ballet is an important performance opportunity for students, exposing them to aspects of ballet they do not experience in a regular class. The students learn about the hard work and enjoyment that composes a live ballet performance, and have the unique opportunity to dance alongside Boston Ballet’s 69 internationally-acclaimed professional dancers from around the world.
Tickets start at $37. For a show schedule and more information, visit bostonballet.org/nutcracker or call 617-695-6955.