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Anthony Williams’s “Urban Nutcracker” opens on the rowhouse streets of Boston with the iconic Citgo sign in the background and a cast of more than 150 mostly local performers. The reimagining of a classic tale on the streets of our city has been warming hearts in Boston for nearly 25 years.
Representation was essential when Anthony Williams designed the show. After his own experience hiding his biracial identity while performing at the Boston Ballet in the 1960s and ‘70s, Williams wanted to create a space where all belonged.
“My background being biracial with the Black father and a white mother, and being the first Black dancer, or biracial principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, it’s reflected in the ‘Urban Nutcracker,’” says Williams. “It’s diversity in dance.”
Ruth Whitney and Ronnie Thomas with company members in ‘Urban Nutcracker.’ PHOTO: PETER PARADISE
As a result, there is a dance inspired by Ukrainian traditions, a hip-hop dance battle drawn from African American culture, a flamenco performance drawn from Spain, a Bollywood act inspired by India and many other cultural influences. For its fifth year “Urban Nutcracker” will host a special LGBTQ-centric storyline on December 20 featuring local drag artist Patty Bourrée.
For the second year “Urban Nutcracker” is partnering with Fédération Régionale de Danse de la Guadeloupe to bring young dancers from the French island of Guadeloupe to Boston for the performance as well.
Every year new elements are added to make the production as inclusive, diverse and reflective of the city of Boston as possible. During the show audiences will also notice Revere Beach, downtown Boston, Fenway Park’s Green Monster, the gold State House dome, Fort Hill and many other local spots.
Flamenco artist Nino de los Reyes makes his debut this year, performing a dance battle scene with acclaimed tap artist Khalid Hill, who has been with the production since its inception, and hip-hop artist Isiah “MoveLikeZay” Beasley who also plays the soldier doll.
The more traditional ballet choreography, which is still sprinkled with Boston lore, like a Make Way for Ducklings inspired dance, are set to Duke Ellington’s jazzy rendition of Tchaikovsky’s classic score, performed live.
“Urban Nutcracker” runs at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre Dec. 14-22. Tickets start at $29. In a sea of holiday productions, “Urban Nutcracker” continues to be the most uniquely Boston show celebrating the festive season.
“For over two decades, this production has stood as a celebration of community, diversity and the power of storytelling through dance,” says Casey Soward, president and CEO of the Boch Center. “Our partnership with City Ballet strengthens our commitment to showcasing Boston’s vibrant talent and keeping the arts as a unifying force for all in our community.”
