Meet the Nutcracker Princes of Boston
John Lam (center) plays the Nutcracker Prince in Boston Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. / Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
—Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker—
John Lam / “Nutcracker Prince”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
After a two-year hiatus from The Nutcracker, this year’s Nutcracker will be extra special to me after having two beautiful boys!
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
Have a light bite, cat nap, have some nice tunes while I put my makeup on and quaff my hair.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
Being a father to my kids and husband to my one and only. We love spending cozy evenings in Vermont in front of a nice fireplace.
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—Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker—
Elio De Bonis / “Nutcracker Prince”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
People should come to see our Nutcracker because it’s different from the other ones—it goes from funny things to interesting subjects. Everything is quite realistic and we have wonderful, colorful surroundings on the stage. The choreography is simply amazing.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
Before each show, we have a ballet class to warm up and get us ready for the show. After that, we rest a little bit and eat something, and then we put makeup on and put on what we need for the show. After that we just have to focus on giving our best feelings to the people.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
I like staying with my American family here. I came to America to visit them and see my cousin’s daughter being born, and I spent Thanksgiving with them. It’s become my favorite festivity. I love them—especially my wise Aunt Gianna. She’s the greatest point of reference for me.
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—Tony Williams Dance Center’s Urban Nutcracker—
Steven Del Col / “Nut Head”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
This production is a beautiful representation of Boston in its extreme diversity and integral sense of community. Not only do we have stunning ballerinas, but also incredible hip-hop dancers, tap dancers, and even some doo-wop singers! Our Nutcracker has something for everyone, and it all comes from right here in this beautiful city.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
The mental preparation happens during the rehearsal process, as we all learn to trust ourselves and each other. Physically, I warm up my muscles by stretching and rolling out tight areas with a foam roller and lacrosse ball. My saving grace for long rehearsals and performances is coconut water. The high levels of potassium help keep me hydrated and cramp-free.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
I’m currently a junior musical theater major at the Boston Conservatory, and I have a part-time job at Starbucks. While I don’t have all that much free time, I love spending evenings with my roommate and our cat, watching Netflix with some cookies and milk.
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—The Slutcracker—
Erik Liddell / “Prince”
Why should people come see your version of The Nutcracker?
The Slutcracker is the only Nutcracker you are going to see that will make you laugh, cry, and put kindle on your fire. Oh, and we have a nine-foot candy cane penis.
Describe your pre-show routine for us.
Before each show I usually pop five ibuprofen, stretch, have a smoke, and pace back and forth.
What do you like to do around Boston outside of dancing?
When not dancing, I work in advertising as a software engineer. I like to play poker and other strategy games, cook, program, and learn about hacking. I also enjoy Islay scotches and IPAs.
Interviews have been edited and condensed.
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Check out the productions for yourself:
Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, $35+, through December 31 at the Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, bostonballet.org.
Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, $20+, through December 6 at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont St., Boston, December 11-20 at the Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, ballettheatre.org.
Urban Nutcracker, $25+, December 11-27, Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St., Boston, urbannutcracker.com.
The Slutcracker, $27, December 4-31, Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, theslutcracker.com.
