Anthony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker”, the modern Boston-centric holiday classic presented by City Ballet of Boston, returns this December. 

The live in-person performances showcase winter scenes set in present-day downtown Boston, blending the rhythms of Duke Ellington with the classical music of Tchaikovsky. Anchored by classical ballet, the performances also include a broad range of dance forms, such as tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and jazz, accompanied by a small live orchestra of local musicians.

Deemed “a holiday arts tradition reflecting the rich multicultural diversity of Boston” by The Boston Globe, more than 150 performers – local children and professional dancers – take the stage in this joyful rendition of heroine Clarice’s adventure with the street magician Drosselmeyer.

They explore iconic Boston landmarks such as the “Make Way for Ducklings” statues, the golden dome of the State House, the Boston Public Garden, Fenway Park’s “Green Monster,” the Citgo sign, the Hatch Shell, and Downtown Boston. The stage comes alive with hundreds of colorful costumes re-imagined by designer Dustin Todd Rennells (originally designed by Rebecca Cross) with eye-catching sets by Janie Howland.

Featuring new and original cast members—dancers Sabi Varga and Toby Towson as Drosselmeyer, tap phenomenon Khalid Hill, local hip-hop legend Ricardo Foster Jr, and Uganda-born ballerina Victoria Jaenson—along with partnerships with the Northeast Youth Ballet, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, and Revels, “Urban Nutcracker” can be enjoyed by the whole family and all ages.

“Urban Nutcracker” brings its lively LGBTQ+-inclusive version of the production for its fifth year on December 20, featuring Boston drag artist Patty Bourrée. 

More Information:

Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 14 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 15 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 15 at 5:30 PM
Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 PM
Friday, December 20 at 7:00 PM (LGBTQ+ Inclusive Performance)
Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 22 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, December 22 at 5:30 PM

Urban Nutcracker will play at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre (265 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116). Tickets are available online, at the Boch Center Box Office, or by calling (866) 348-9738.

Groups of 10 or more may reserve discounted tickets now by contacting Boch Center Group Sales at (617) 532-1116 or groups@bochcenter.org.

All performances are approximately 2 hours with one 20-minute intermission.