"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.

"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.