As I sit outside class, rack after rack of beautiful hand-stitched costumes roll by. They will soon be coming to life on stage in dress rehearsals making the renderings of the newest production of the Nutcracker come to life.
The dewdrops fairy’s bodice and tutu alone has 4,000 crystals set on it. Each one done by hand. The magic that happens on stage is created by hours of work behind the scenes in the costume shop, in the studio and on stage.
Some shows are already sold out. The Nutcracker opens on Friday, November 29th and runs through Sunday, December 29th.
Here are some tips for going to see the show from tickets and parking to logistics with little ones.
Getting tickets
If you think about all the work that goes into each production the value of a ticket is worth it’s weight in crystals! On the other hand, buying tickets for the whole family at full cost is not always feasible. So what are your options?
Full price tickets can be purchased at Boston Ballet Box office or online.
First time ticket buyers save 10% at the box office. (Restrictions: available by phone to patrons with no ticket history, limit 8 tickets per household, one-time use, subject to availability, valid on all sections except lowest price section, not valid on previously purchased tickets, not to be combined with other offers.)
$30 Advance student rush tickets allow you to cut the lines and pre-order your tickets. Advanced student rush tickets are available by phone at 617-695-6955 Monday-Friday, 9:30AM – 5:00PM or in-person at the Boston Ballet Box Office, 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116 or in person at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111. Available for these performance dates and times Nutcracker: Tuesdays Dec. 3rd and 10th at 7:30pm; Wednesdays Dec. 4th and 11th at 7:30pm; Thursday Dec 5th at 7:30pm; Fridays Dec 6th and 13th at 1pm.
$20 Student rush tickets are available for: college students (full-time with ID), children and teenagers (ages 7-17), and Boston Dance Alliance members (with valid membership card). Tickets are $20, CASH ONLY and are available 2 hours prior to performance at the Boston Opera House box office. You may purchase one ticket per ID, child/teen, or membership card holder. All attendees must be present and must each present proper identification at time of purchase. For child/teen rush, child/teen must be present at time of purchase. Rush tickets are subject to availability. Call the box office if you have any concerns.
Discount Tickets can be purchased at Bostix. Many different Nutcracker productions have tickets at Bostix so be sure to choose the correct production.
Getting to the Opera House
I recommend driving especially if you have little ones. The performance is long and it is easier for everyone to enjoy the show if you can park nearby and walk to the theatre. Arrive early so that you can enjoy the whole experience. Allow for traffic. Park in the Pilgrim Lafayette Garage if you want to be as close as possible. The rate for theatre-goers is about $15 as you pay the weekend or evening rate. You can also take the T and get off at Park Street (Red Line), Chinatown (Orange Line) or Boylston Street (Green Line).
Going to the Ballet with Little Ones
No matter what your vision is for the evening or matinée remember that the ballet may be too long for your child to sit through. Be prepared to leave at intermission if you have to. You want this to be a positive experience so that your child will have fond memories of the gorgeous theatre, the live music, the costumes, the dancing, and the overall atmosphere. If you push them passed their limit you risk ruining the experience. You are better off planning to be okay leaving early if need be so you can continue enjoying the ballet for years to come.
As a general rule of thumb I think 7-8 is a great age to begin going to the ballet. Of course some children will enjoy it at an earlier age and others won’t appreciate it until later in life.
If you’re looking for an easy place to dine out before or after the show with children I highly recommend Back Deck. Allow plenty of time so you are not rushed getting to the ballet. For more adventurous eaters or if you are going out sans children I would pop into JM Curley or stop in for dinner at Stoddard’s Food and Ale for dinner.
Illustrations by Robert Perdziola courtesy of Boston Ballet
Illustrations by Robert Perdziola courtesy of Boston Ballet
Illustrations by Robert Perdziola courtesy of Boston Ballet
Illustrations by Robert Perdziola courtesy of Boston Ballet
Illustrations by Robert Perdziola courtesy of Boston Ballet