José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s 37th Annual Production of The Nutcracker
December 6-21, 2025
Strand Theatre | Dorchester, MA

Tickets on Sale Fall 2025

Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director José Mateo and set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, JMBT’s The Nutcracker brings Clara’s dream world to life with festive sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular dancing. Over 100 children ages 6-18 join professional guest artists each year. JMBT’s The Nutcracker was recognized by Boston Magazine as “Best of Boston 2020 Best Family-Friendly Show.” Magical, thrilling, inspiring, and affordable, José Mateo’s The Nutcracker creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Published in 1819, E.T.A. Hoffman’s Nutcracker and Mouse King was the source of inspiration for the first production of The Nutcracker ballet, set to Peter Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score by St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre in 1892. José Mateo Ballet Theatre’s version of what has become the most widely performed ballet in the world was choreographed in 1988 and continues to honor the classical tradition. It is presented in the company’s hallmark style characterized by simplicity and dynamism. Mateo’s Nutcracker has become a favorite New England tradition that conjures the beauty, magic and spirit of the holidays like no other.

The Nutcracker Story

In anticipation of the upcoming holiday celebration, Clara dreams of a tall ethereal tree attended by magical fairies who deliver a mysterious gift. Meanwhile, Dr. Drosselmeyer, a marvelous magician and friend to all children, is in his workshop preparing two of his mechanical dolls Columbine and Harlequin, that will entertain the guests at the Silberhaus party. He will also bring a special gift to Clara: a wooden doll shaped like a brave soldier, which he believes to be his grandnephew, a prince who long ago was turned into a Nutcracker by an evil sorcerer. Dr. Drosselmeyer is determined to undo the spell and contrives the plan that will ultimately free the prince and change Clara’s life.

Clara’s dream is realized at the party the next evening, when Dr. Drosselmeyer brings her the enchanted Nutcracker doll that immediately captures her devoted attention. While Clara is not looking, the boys sneak the Nutcracker away from her and break it. To keep his secret plan on course, Dr. Drosselmeyer promptly mends the broken toy and suggests it remain in Clara’s close care.

The hour is late and it is Clara’s bedtime; however, she is unable to sleep for she is too busy thinking about her lovely little Nutcracker. She returns to the parlor to look for her new toy. Instead she is surprised by an army of giant mice, who taunt her. Just then, Dr. Drosselmeyer appears and casts a spell bringing to life the Nutcracker and toy soldiers to protect Clara.

At first, the battle does not go well for the soldiers. The end appears near for the Nutcracker, when Clara unexpectedly comes to his rescue and slays the evil Rat King. Then, to Clara’s amazement, her toy Nutcracker turns into a real prince. In gratitude for her having come to his defense, he invites her to the magical Kingdom of the Sweets.

Clara and the Prince travel through the enchanted forest of the dancing snowflakes and arrive at the Kingdom of the Sweets where they visit the delicious palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Here, Clara is entertained by waltzing flowers and costumed dancers from distant lands representing delightful confections. As their guest of honor, Clara is also treated to a culminating performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

This is the magic of The Nutcracker!

Choreography & Design – José Mateo
Music – Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Lighting Design – Matthew Breton
Scenic Design – Laura McPherson
Original Premiere – The Strand Theatre, 1986