This year marks the final season for the Boston Ballet's longstanding "Nutcracker, " whose sets and costumes are now 16 years old.

WSJ: Nutcracker Inc.

"It's time for an upgraded version, " says Ms. Combes of the Boston Ballet, which will unveil its new take on the classic next year.

WSJ: Nutcracker Inc.

Honourees include Gregory Maguire, author of more than a dozen novels for children and adults, including Wicked, the basis for the eponymous Broadway musical, and Mikko Nissinen, artistic director for the Boston Ballet.

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"We always talk about how we don't get enough credit for it it just looks so easy but you're dying by the end, " says Kathleen Breen Combes, who plays the role for the Boston Ballet.

WSJ: Nutcracker Inc.