BOSTON, MASS. -- After 40 years, the Boston Ballet will be looking to find a new home for their holiday show next year as the Rockettes take over at the Wang Theater.

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Amalia Barreda Reports On 'Nutcracker' The Nutcracker Resources The Nutcracker will run Friday Nov. 28 through Tuesday, Dec. 30 Tickets $17 to $45 Dates and Times Show Information Wang Center Web site

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that the Wang Center's decision to give the Boston Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" the boot in 2004 comes just as the ballet is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

"No city has ever booted 'The Nutcracker.' Not in San Francisco, Washington, New York, for a commercial thing, " said "The Nutcracker's" artistic director Mikko Nissinen.

That commercial thing is the Radio City Rockettes, which the ballet admits will be much more profitable for the Wang than the 30-year tradition of "The Nutcracker."

Wang Center officials released a statement that said, "The Wang Center is keenly aware that these are difficult times for all not-for-profit arts organizations and, with that in mind, will continue to support our partners (Boston Ballet) to our best ability."

"As all good artists and performers, I think we've kind of picked ourselves up and thought well, let's see what we can do," said "The Nutcracker's" executive director Valerie Wilder.

Boston Ballet officials are putting the best face on what is clearly a stunning blow to the company. They admit they have no other choice but to go forward and claim some offers are already coming in.

"We've had lots of calls today saying, 'I have this great 2,400 seat theatre and we'd love to have you in your 'Nutcracker' here.' And the support that the community has shown to the organization is fabulous," said Nissinen.

The ballet's artistic director said a "Nutcracker" theatre in Boston's new convention center is another possibility that is being talked about.

In the meantime, because "The Nutcracker" is such an important part of the ballet's budget, officials admit this is a hit that threatens its very survival.

"We will have to find a way to replace that revenue that 'The Nutcracker' brings to the company. Maybe not in its entirety but in some form," said Wilder. "Otherwise of course, we will be threatened."