Boston Ballet or Boston Pops?
 

We're heading up to New Hampshire for a pre-holiday vacation. As part of our trip, we've decided to spend an evening in Boston.

I can't seem to decide whether we should attend the ballet and see the Nutcracker or see the Boston Pops perform their holiday selections.

Is it a toss up? Is one preferred over the other? Help, please :)

Add White Christmas to your list. At the Wang Center. Rave reviews last year in SanFran. This year they expanded to two new companies in LA and Boston. Let me know if you go for this show cause I can make it extra special if you promise to play nice in the sandbox from now on!!!

And, also Radio City Christmas Show.

I would recommend checking ticket/seat availability and then decide.

djkindergardenbooks......

I'm not talking to you now. I do not enjoy being quoted and having my posts erroneously interpreted and misconstrued. Into the corner you go!!! And let's shake hands and be friends.

No Rockettes this year, you little knowitall! Gotcha! Peace, good times!

Ooops, back to my boycot......"Ride a horse, save a cowboy!!!""' I mean, save the lepors!

Dang!!! Save a horse, ride a cowboy!!! Ooops!

Save the lepors!

Okay, gyppielou, whatever you're having, make that two for me. :)

Gotta go. I'll check on White Christmas later. Thanks.

(could someone explain what all that is about, above?)

Anyway, I would choose the Pops. The Nutcracker is done in many cities, but the Pops are soooo Boston. Try to get a table on the floor.

If you can reserve a table for the pops, that will be special. Order some champagne.

I second the recommendation for the Boston Pops. It is so much fun to go there at Christmas.

seetheworld - Just in case its a consideration, you should know that the Pops don't start until Dec 10 - The Nutcracker ballet starts much earlier (we are going Dec 4). Of the two I like the Pops better but the tables on the floor do get very crowded and they seat you with strangers. Even though the Nutcracker is performed elsewhere the different companies do it differently, the Boston Ballet's version is widely considered the best in the US. Another option is Handels's Messiah by the Handel and Hayden Society.

Not to throw in more confusion, but another wonderful possibility is the Christmas Revels, performed at Sanders Theater on the Harvard campus in Cambridge. Our family goes every year; it's an important holiday tradition for us, which we love. They don't start until Dec. 16, however, so it depends on when you're traveling; they have 18 performances over a 2 and a half week period. See http://www.revels.org/ for more info.

Love the Pops and the Ballet but to me two different experiences. If you are a 'balletophile' then choose that; but while the ballet is lovely, and the sets beautiful, it is the Nutcracker story and while that is certainly a Christmas story, not as all encompassing as the Pops as far as an array of traditional holiday music - at Pops there are advantages and disadvantages to floor tables vs. balcony, we have also sat in balcony which is also enjoyable - and there is something to be said for having an 'overview' of both the orchestra and the entire scene - the music is excellent, even the sing a long part where when you look around people you probably never thought would sing end up joining in - you leave in a very festive up mood. I think that the after glow of this entire experience lasts longer than the after glow of the ballet. So if you are looking for an uplifting experience staying with you then I would choose an orchestra/musical experience. The alternative suggestions posted (Handel, etc) are also excellent choices. When you've decided, then you can start thinking of where to stroll, eat and drink !

Okay, I have to disagree about Boston Ballet's Nutcracker being the best. That award goes to New York City Ballet!!!!

I agree with you, Sharon.

It will likely be impossible to get tickets to the Pops. Despite what the 2 previous posters said, IMO, Boston's Nutcracker is magical. The production is wonderful. You will enjoy either show but most of the Pops tickets are pre-sold to businesses and VIPs. Whichever you get to see, enjoy.

Oh yes, The Revels...would love to hear them. Enjoy their tapes. Or on the heavier side, how about Chekhov's
"Three Sisters" at the American Repertory Theatre? www.amrep.org

ozarksbill

WOW! So many choices and only one night, lol.

The idea of sipping champagne while listening to the Boston Pops sounds like such a festive way to spend the evening - and I am definitely in the mood for a celebration :D

I think I can still get tickets, but I'll let you know.

Thanks :D Seetheworld...A very happy person :D

seetheworld
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All I can say is that if either of you are tall, a table seat at the pops will be much more comfortable than those cramped seats for the ballet.