I heard a creative suggestion today: maybe BB (or anyone) could offer a "buy two get one free" type of deal: buy two Nutcracker tickets and get a free ticket to a future repertory concert that the company doesn't expect to sell out. This could be a good way to try to get more audience to realize that ballet is more than Nutcracker.

Actually, I heard that the company was doing some telemarketing to offer the following mini-subscription package: Nutcracker ticket for after Christmas + free companion ticket to the Nutcracker, plus single tickets to the remaining two story ballets.

Boston Ballet has a new home for its Nutcracker! For 2004 a "special edition" Nutcracker will be performed at the Colonial Theater. In 2005-2007 the full scale Nutcracker will be performed at the newly renovated Opera House. This was announced in a press conference with Mayor Menino this morning. You can read all about it at the ballet's site:

Menino, Boston Ballet and Clear Channel Entertainment Keep 'Nutcracker' Dancing New Home Secured for Boston Ballet's Holiday Tradition

Does anyone know how the capacity of these venues compares to that of the Wang?

I also wonder how they will handle different sets for two different venues -- although it's good they already know now that they need to plan for that.

Looks good. Except for the Clear Channel part. Perhaps Clear Channel can help to vindicate itself. Or not. Clear Channel can make for "strange bedfellows."

According to today's article in the Herald, the Colonial has about 1700 seats, and the Opera House 2500. That makes the Opera House smaller than the Wang in terms of seating, but that might not be a bad thing for audience members - from the back/top of the balcony in the Wang the figures on the stage are pretty small.

The Globe editorial and article give credit to Broadway in Boston/Clear Channel for working to provide Nutcracker a new home, so maybe they will redeem themselves. Meanwhile, I look forward to seeing what the "special edition" Nutcracker will be like, and to seeing the renovated Opera House. The Colonial has also been renovated, in 90's, so both theaters should be nice venues.

Am glad that crisis has been resolved and we can think instead of the programs Boston Ballet will be presenting in mid-March.

Sounds like a good solution. N*******r (refuse to say the "n" word in February) is a large money maker for most companies. Perhaps BB can do a few performances in other New England Cities as a rehersal tour before settling in to bean town.
Bringing in the Christmas spectacular will help Boston's Nutz in the long run, making Boston a christmas destination for out of town tourists. NYC is the unofficial Christmas Capital of the world, and the Radio City spectacular helps a great deal.

MJ