Boston Ballet‘s current production is Cinderella and the timing could not be more perfect! I’ve been planning a new series for this blog of posts on ways to experience Disney when you can’t get to the parks and this one definitely fits the bill! Although the story of Cinderella existed long before the Disney version came out, if you’re reading this blog chances are when you hear “Cinderella” this is what you’re thinking of:
While we don’t have a view like this here in Boston, we do have Boston Ballet’s production of Cinderella is up at the Boston Opera House through June 8– and this ballet is the perfect way to get all those Disney princess vibes in the city this spring! Even walking through the lobby of the Boston Opera House is enough to make you feel like royalty! We attended the opening performance of Cinderella and in addition to sharing what we loved about it we’re excited to share a promo code to help you save on tickets! If you’re planning on seeing Cinderella, be sure to get to the end of this post to see how you can save 40% on tickets!
Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella offers a full length story with a musical score by Sergei Prokofiev. If you’re primarily familiar with Disney’s version this one follows the same story line with a few minor details that add to the fact that this is a ballet, not an animated feature. In addition to the Fairy Godmother, Ashton’s Cinderella includes four fairies representing the seasons who also assist Cinderella in getting ready for the ball.
Since the debut of Ashton’s Cinderella in 1948, the roles of the evil stepsisters have been portrayed by men (Ashton himself even danced this role in early productions with The Royal Ballet!). The stepsisters are interesting characters to me (as a Disney fan) because they’re kind of portrayed differently in the animated film than they are in the parks. In the film, they serve their purpose but they’re not really over-the-top comical, but when you meet them in the parks it tends to be the opposite.
Having men play the part of Cinderella’s stepsisters in the ballet version really brings out that comedic element that I sometimes feel is lacking in the film. On top of that, the stepsisters add lots of playful energy that makes Cinderella a worthwhile experience for the whole family, including seasoned ballet-goers and kids who are just being introduced to it.
Cinderella also comes with stunning costumes, and I’d be remiss to not bring up the pointe shoes! No re-telling of Cinderella would be complete without glass slippers, or in this case pointe shoes, and these along with the other ornate costumes in Boston Ballet’s production were made by their talented costume shop. (If you’re interested in learning more about Boston Ballet’s costume design, I highly recommend checking out their Instagram for a behind the scenes look!).
Of course, there is no way to overstate the amount of talent that the dancers in Cinderella have, in both their acting and technical abilities. One of my favorite parts of the ballet was Cinderella’s entrance to the ball, when she walks down a flight of stairs into the ballroom on pointe! This mix of talented dancing, engaging storytelling, and the beautiful scenery and costuming really culminate in the perfect family night out and an even more perfect way to add that extra magic to your time in Boston.
We’ve gotten some questions about Boston’s theatre scene in general, so I just wanted to quickly answer some of them here– just note these are based on my own experiences the past couple of times I’ve gone, and I can totally write a whole post about where the eat, what to wear, and just the do’s and don’ts of seeing a show in Boston if that’s helpful!
Where to eat:
- Legal Crossing: Located right across the street from the Boston Opera House. Think typical Legal Seafood with a more Asian-inspired menu. They have drink and appetizer specials based on the current ballet (one of the drinks in the photo above was called Cinderella’s Glass Slipper!).
- Sip Wine Bar & Kitchen: About two doors down from the Boston Opera House, my go-to spot for drinks and appetizers (or dessert–the bread pudding here is delicious!)
- The Back Deck: Equal distance from the Opera House as Sip, just in the opposite direction. This is a great pick when I’m in the area with friends and you need a restaurant that will please different tastes– they have something for everyone and offer some contemporary takes on American dishes.
- Fajitas & Ritas: For when you’re on a budget or need to grab a bite before the ballet without a reservation! I’d highly recommend making reservations in any case, but if you’re going to walk up this is probably your best bet. Plus you can’t beat the value here, especially if you share a pitcher of margaritas!
What to wear:
- There is no dress code for Boston Ballet performances, and you’ll notice a wide variety in outfit choices around the theatre. If you’re attending a ballet on a weeknight I think you’ll see more business casual looks as some people are likely coming from work, but it’s also common to see anything from jeans to floor length gowns and suits. I usually wear something along the lines of a sundress (or sweater dress depending on the weather) or some kind of dress pants and a blouse. But you can definitely wear something more dressed up or much more casual if you’re more comfortable!
SAVE 40% ON TICKETS TO BOSTON BALLET’S CINDERELLA
Boston Ballet’s Cinderella offers a fairytale fit for the whole family right here in Boston, and we’re excited to share an exclusive promo code so you can save $$ on tickets! Use code CASTLE40 when you purchase tickets for Cinderella on bostonballet.org. This code is valid for any seats and any performance through June 8, 2019.
*This post is sponsored by Boston Ballet, I received complimentary admission to Boston Ballet’s Cinderella. All opinions are my own.
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