PNB Costume Shop on The Nutcracker (10 Years In!)
Here at PNB, we are celebrating 10 years of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®! This production features colorful costumes and sets designed by Ian Falconer, creator of the Olivia the Pig series. PNB’s costume shop was responsible for bringing many of these designs to life, and today, they continue to maintain and improve the costumes for our current company. Let’s hear from the costume shop about their favorite Nutcracker memory, their holiday traditions, and more!
Wyly Astley
Dyer and Craftsperson
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory?
Wyly: Since starting at PNB, I get dressed up and come to the Christmas Eve show. I bring someone who’s never seen the show before. It feels extra festive, and I always feel so happy to share our gorgeous version.
What Nutcracker project are you most proud of?
Wyly: This is only my fourth Nutcracker, so I wasn’t here for the original build. I do get to do lots of repairs, and this year I got to shift our Nutcracker masks and doll to a flesh tone that better matches our princes. I also got to make a new tiny crown for Clara. It’s adorable!
What’s a non-Nutcracker holiday tradition you have?
Wyly: Our family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. Our holidays are filled with lots of light and great food!
Ryan Cardea in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.
Rob Newton
First Hand
What Nutcracker project are you most proud of?
Rob: Working on The Nutcracker was my first job making anything! And the first costumes I ever made were for Spanish. Those half moons on the studio floor (pictured below) became the ruffles on the skirts. I had to draw out all the shapes (they were then sent out and laser cut), then pin them all into place: 340-some pieces sewn on each dress. I met so many wonderful people, who were so patient and helpful. And Ian (Falconer, the designer) was so funny and so talented. I miss him. The whole experience was a trial by fire introduction to sewing and costuming, and a terrific adventure.
Photo 1: courtesy of Rob Newton. Photo 2: Genevieve Waldorf in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling. Photo 3: courtesy of Rob Newton. Photo 4: PNB Company dancers in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust. Photo © Angela Sterling.
Photo courtesy Pauline Smith.
Pauline Smith
First Hand
What Nutcracker project are you most proud of?
Pauline: The Nutcracker costumes that I am most proud of are the Harlequin and Columbine dolls in the party scene. They were a labor of love, and I enjoy seeing them every year! It was such a pleasure to work with the costume designer, Ian Falconer.
Mary C. Woll
Wardrobe Manager
What’s your favorite Nutcracker memory?
Mary: I love seeing how the dressers and dancers decorate the dressing room hallway, dressing rooms, and backstage every year. We’re all here so much during the holiday season, a lot of folx don’t decorate at home (including me!), so it’s always fun to see it in the theatre.
What’s a non-Nutcracker holiday tradition of yours?
Mary: In the beginning of our careers, my partner and I did bus & truck touring shows primarily. On our first Christmas tour together, we had Thanksgiving off and were in a small-ish town with nothing better to do, so we went to the movies. We kept it up even after we stopped touring and still go see a movie (or at least stream one) every Thanksgiving.
Former PNB dancer Chelsea Adomaitis gets ready for The Nutcracker backstage, photo © Lindsay Thomas.
