Boston Ballet: The Nutcracker
It was an absolute dream to visit The Boston Ballet for a behind the scenes look at the new costumes and production opening on November 23.
What a marvel to view the craft and intricate handiwork of the costumes in the costume shop and speak to costume shop manager Charles Heightchew. 2,000 yards of net and tulle along with cottons, silks and linens were some of the materials used, with extensive hand painting (award-winning costume designer Robert Perdziola hand tipped every Sugar Plum and Snow Queen tutu with metallic paint) and jewels (as many as 200,000) individually sewn on with 3,600 jewels alone for the Sugar Plum's and Dew Drop's costumes.
The creative team wanted to keep the dancers' silhouettes streamlined and control the color palette in Act I in an early 19th century inspired way. Act II showcases a burst of color as we saw during the dress rehearsal, where the costumes were tested for the very first time.
Creative Director Mikko Nissinen tells us that the set design was inspired by "18th century Prague with the use of flats with everything hand-painted to incredible detail and resembling a puppet theatre". As the play goes on, layers of of the story unfold, irising out of one another.
Robert Perdziola on Mikko Nissinen:
"We needed a strong Captain and needed to abide by that. Mikko is the Captain!"
It was a magical day at the ballet; very Degas-esque for me! I can't wait for what promises to be an extravanganza of a production, the biggest show the Boston Ballet has built in over a decade!
The Nutcracker runs from November 23 - December 30 at the Boston Opera House. For tickets visit BostonBallet.org
18 Comments | Share Article | in art, boston, costume, design, fashion, photography, theatre | tagged Ballet, Boston, Boston Ballet, Charles Heightchew, Mikko Nissinen, Nutcracker 2012, Robert Perdziola, Sugar Plum, The Nutcracker, boston opera house, costume design, costumes | Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 8:46AM
Reader Comments (18)
Gorgeous photos and jaw dropping costumes. The attention to detail is exquisite. The Arabian dance has always been one of my favorites.
Thanks Lady! Will you be checking out the production? The costumes are gooooorgeous!
I'm sad to admit that I've never actually seen a performance of The Nutcracker, but after seeing this there is no way I'm going to miss it this year! The costumes are amazing and your photos are fabulous as always!
This is the most amazing thing.
The day you were posting all your instagrams I was going crazy showing my sister them--- we were both in the Nutcracker when we were younger! For at least 4 or 5 years!
These photos are gorgeous. You captured the magic of the ballet so well. I especially love this behind the scenes look. And now I'm looking forward to this year's production even more. My sister and I go together here in Boston every year! :) :)
Wow! Such a great opportunity. Not many could say that they were able to see what goes on behind the scenes for such a big holiday production! As always your photos are gorgeous and show the intricate detail of each costume...superb!
gah - you're always in the BEST places and I love that we get a peek as well with your photographs. what a neat behind-the-scenes!
Thanks Amy!!
Anna, what a great tradition! I didn't know you both were in the Nutcracker - how cool!
Thanks Christine - I loved the details - swooon!
Elizabeth, thank you so much!
Oh Smita, you don't know how jealous of you I am! The Nutcracker has been a favorite of mine since I was a girl, but I haven't been to see it in ages! Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful pictures (and your instagrams) from the Boston Ballet.
Thanks Nnenna!
Hey Smita,
Thanks so much for sharing these! This has me PUMPED to see it.
Anyway, I've been loving following along with your adventures in India via Instagram. Looks like you had a blast!
Talk to you soon :)
Danielle
Thanks Danielle :)
smita, these pictures are beautiful. the detailing on the costumes is exquisite! every year philip and i have a tradition of going to see the nutcracker, and we've done it in a handful of cities so far. i'm so excited to add boston to that list this year at christmas, and this post got me so psyched.
Alaina, so happy to read your comment. Yes, the Nutcracker is a really special thing to do, especially since you guys are doing "dates" before baby gets here, I think you'll absolutely love this production of it, it's breath-taking!
beautiful shots! the detail is just amazing...i love the first few here--that tutu!
oh wow...these photos are stunning. i danced my entire life and was in the nutcracker every winter and this brings back so many memories!!
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