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Christmas in the City: Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker

May Sugar Plum fairies dance in your head.

Providence Monthly Magazine ·

Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) once again presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Providence Performing Arts Center. And what a show it is. Artistic Director Misha Djuric is known for his attention to detail – none is too small to be rehearsed and perfected. In fact, the FBP professional company devotes about 350 rehearsal hours to the production each year. And you thought you were tired.

Did you know?

  • The massive Nutcracker set requires two large 18-wheeler trucks to transport it from a warehouse to PPAC. It then takes two days to “load in” and assemble.
  • Since the costumes sit in storage for eight months out of the year, they need to be brought back to life each season and tailored to fit the dancers who will wear them.
  • FBP brings in a special floor called “marley” that is laid atop PPAC’s stage deck. It allows the dancers to have greater control over their movements.
  • Thirty-six delicate and sparkling Swarovski snowflake crystals dangle above the Snow Scene at the end of Act I. 
  • It takes 19 stagehands to make the transition between Act I and II, which includes sweeping up two trashcans of paper snowflakes that fall during the Snow Scene.
  • One of the show’s most tenured cast members is Archie, a 16-year-old dog who has performed in more than 150 shows.


What’s on deck for 2016?
This year’s production features three students from FBP School’s Adaptive Dance program, which is designed for children with Down Syndrome.

$23-$85. December 16-18. PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street. 421-2787, PPACRI.org

Other productions of The Nutcracker:

Park Theatre: This production of The Great Russian Nutcracker features the Moscow Ballet and magical props like a 60-foot growing Christmas tree. $28-$68. December 5-6. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275, ParkTheatreRI.com

Stadium Theatre: Presented by Heritage Ballet, this is a full-length version of the beloved holiday production. $20-$40. December 17-18. 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket. 762-4545, StadiumTheatre.com

Island Moving Company: See the classic ballet danced inside the salons, ballroom and staircase of the historic Rosecliff Mansion. $55-$150. December 1-2. 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport. 847-4470, IslandMovingCo.org

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