José Mateo Ballet Theatre presents its treasured production of The Nutcracker at two of Boston's finest theatres this holiday season.  In celebration of its Nutcracker production, the Company returns to The Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston's Theatre District (Nov.25-December 10) with an extended run of performances and for the 7th season at The Strand Theatre in Dorchester (Dec.15-24) with performances through Christmas Eve.   Both theaters provide the perfect venue for a recently refreshed version of Mateo's annual production of the holiday extravaganza featuring wondrous sets and costumes newly developed in 2015 by noted scenic designer Laura C. McPherson.
 
Artistic Director José Mateo honors the tradition of The Nutcracker while giving new life to Clara's dream world with a fresh innovative interpretation of the iconic holiday classic featuring festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing.  Over 200 children, ages 6-18 from throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire, join Ballet Theatre's skilled company dancers as Clara, Party Children, Mice, Soldiers, Polichinelles, Cherubs, and Angels.  It is the only professional Nutcracker production in the area to hold open auditions for students outside of its own school.  The lead child role of Clara is danced this season by four talented young dancers rotating the role in all venues: Shaye Child (13) from East Bridgewater, Alexandra Kellie (13) from Arlington, Amy Chan (17) from Cambridge, Safiyya O'Connor (16) from Cambridge and Ashley Watts (18) from Wellesley.
 
JMBT's Dorchester Studio: In Dorchester Beyond The Nutcracker
In keeping with its long-term vision to provide dance opportunities to all in the Boston area, JMBT's Young Dancers Program is now in its third year at its recently launched Dorchester Studio at the St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 14 Cushing Avenue. Due to the success of the Dorchester studio, this year's Nutcracker has more children from the Greater Dorchester area in the production than ever before with over 30 local dancers!  With classes for children ages 3-9, the Dorchester Studio will grow in future years to offer classes for students of all ages. Classes are open to boys and girls of all backgrounds. No dance experience necessary. Http://www.ballettheatre.org/young-dancers-program-dorchester/