Pacific Northwest Ballet, one of the largest and most highly regarded ballet companies in the United States, was founded in 1972. In July 2005, Peter Boal became artistic director, succeeding Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, artistic directors since 1977. The company is especially known for its performance of the Stowell/Maurice Sendak adaptation of the "The Nutcracker," which it presented from 1983 to 2015.
In this image Sherri Thompson, PNB wardrobe mistress, unpacks the Nutcracker head in preparation for the December 4-29 performances of "The Nutcracker."
Typed on verso: Costumes are being unpacked in the Opera House for Friday's opening of Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker. Sherri Thompson, wardrobe mistress, unpacks the Nutcracker head, to be used in 40 performances this year, through December 29th. She says the production involves 46 dancers, 20 PNB advanced students, and 164 children. Each performance generates 7 loads of laundry for the costume shop. P-I 11/30/92
Caption information source: "Pacific Northwest Ballet," by Paula Becker, HistoryLink.org Essay 10135
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
Credit: MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Collection, 2000.107.013.19.05, photo by Kurt Smith
