The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker performance was very entertaining. The choreography for the different dances was, though I know nothing of ballet, a joy to watch. I was most impressed with the costumes. Also, local "ballet stars," children from Bexar studios, were nicely incorporated into the performance.
The Nutcracker was just as magical as an adult, as it was when I was a child. The costumers were stunning and the set was beautiful. The dancing was technical and graceful, just lost some of its magic when dancers missed their cues, though I'm sure not very many people caught that. I was also sad to see that the music was no longer performed by a live orchestra as that really adds to the experience. My other complaints have to do with the venue. Ushers were allowing people in after the show had started causing the stage to be difficult to see. Also people around me were talking through the entire show, it was rude and very frustrating. My tickets were a gift but I know they were not expensive, and I was disappointed in the lack of etiquette in my fellow attendees.
This was a very nice version of the classic favorite, Tchaikovsky's ballet ,The Nutcracker.This rendition was a light version in regards to the sets.The story was true to the more lavish productions but with more austere props. This in itself isn't a negative aspect but simply different.There was a puppet show added to the first act when the children were visited by Uncle Drosselmeyer.In the second act, the scene with Madame Bonbonaire was omited.Large headed puppets were present with international variations as a supporting act that was delightful and fun. The performers are top notch professionals and danced well .The only small snag with the experience overall was that the programs were not available until after intermission.If one is familiar with this show this was of no consequence.An added bonus for children and adults alike is that the patrons could get a photo with one of the performers for a modest fee.This Ballet company dose well for only being twenty years old and is a treat to watch perform.
Nutcracker was great for the entire family. I was disappointed that live musicains were not used, but it still was a great perfromance and would definitely recommend it!
I have wanted to go with my mother to see this for the longest time. Now that my little girl is old enough to understand, I finally purchased the tickets as a Christmas gift. I'm so glad I did. It was beautiful. At one point I noticed my 6 year old getting a little teary eyed and when I asked her what was wrong she replied, "I just like it so much." Priceless.
The Moscow Ballet did not disappoint. It's a must see for all!
This isn't Bolshoy Theater troop, the youngsters didn't eve try hard to perform well, weren't catching up to the music that was a recording not orchestra. Don't full yourself by going to see it! Seats were terrible. 95% of people bought seat on the very first floor but couldn't see anything besides front seating heads. After the break 50% of audience moved to upper floors.
The Moscow Ballet has outdone themselves this year! Everyone was enthrathed and their eyes were glued to the stage as the dancers amazed us with this newest version of the Nutcracker. Not a peep was heard until the final curtain came down. We are looking forward to attending again.
They took a lot of creative license, which I wasn't crazy about...no Mother Ginger and her polichinelles, for one. The dancing was fine, but nothing to write home about, with the exception of Arabian Coffee, which was AMAZING!! I thought the dancing of the Charleston Ballet's production was better. There also seemed to be a lot of filler and not as much beautiful dancing.
It was absolutely fantastic! The HSSD dancers added so much to the performance!
Very suitable for families. Fun, music, dance and laughter.
I've taken my daughter to see the Nutcracker since she was 4 years old - she's 18 now! It's always been a wonderful afternoon and such a rewarding event! This year I took my future daughter-in-law [who had never been] and we were very disappointed. . This performance was lackluster and unmoving - with the exception of the two principal dancers! We usually attend the local performance around Thanksgiving and it is always thoroughly entertaining, bright and colorful!
Never seen the Nutcracker before. Was a great story. I'm sure children would have loved it also.
This was a fantastic performance of the Nutcracker. The dancing, costumes and background illustrations were outstanding. Dance moves were flawless and performed with such grace. I enjoyed every moment the dancers were on stage where they translated a beautiful Christmas story into a magical dance. This is great entertainment for children and adults.
The Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker was wonderful in regards to staging, costumes and choreography. While the dancers were inspiring in their performances I was a bit disappointed with the piped in music. We were in row four and the speakers at the edge of the stage were extremely loud. As full orchestra's are a big expense I would suggest better placement of these speakers for those fortunate enough to purchase the seats close to the stage.
This is the second year we go see the Moscow Ballet. Co. Last year was better. This year the merchandise was better but the performance was very much lacking. This year the dancers were the spot light of the show. Not the story of the Nutcracker itself. I would not have spent my money had I known. Last year the dancers in the animal costumes had stage presence not this year. They also cut the story short. They did not do the farewell scene where the Prince's Mother, Father & citizens of the kingdom say farewell to Clara. This year they cut out the "Prisyadki" . That is the Russian dance step where the dancers go from a sitting position and kick out their legs. Love that move. It is great to watch. None of that this year. The story was shortened and there was more showing off of the dancers. I went to see the Nutcracker story Not the dancers themselves. I would not recommend this show and will not spend money to watch it next year, I think you should rent a CD of the Nutcracker and watch that instead. Save yourself the money & time. (plus the parking fees) I think I will go see the Ballet San Antonio Co. or a performance In Austin next year.
Ballet was awesome! Seats were a little close but cannot complain. A few of the speakers were in the way of our view.
This is the second year we have gone to see the Moscow Ballet co. do the Nutcracker at the San Antonio, Majestic Theater. I found this year while the merchandise is greatly improved. The performance was lacking.The Russian dance this year consisted of a male & female dancer and did not have any of the great "Prisyadki " dance steps of before. It's the move when the dancers kick out their legs from a sitting position. As if having been sitting for a long time and need to stretch out their legs.Also, there was little presence of the dancers in the animal costumes. Last year they danced more and had more stage presence. This year they also did not do the farewell scene where Clara is sent back home by the Prince's Mother, Father & citizen of the Kingdom.There was more showing off of the different dancers. I went to see the Nutcracker story performed not the dancers themselves. There was much of the actual Nutcracker story missing. I was greatly disappointed and don't believe I will buy tickets to see the Moscow Ballet Co. next year.I am considering going to see the Ballet somewhere in Austin or maybe the Ballet San Antonio do the performance. For the price I paid I would have been better served staying home and watching the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Co. performance that I have on CD. I would not recommend this show to my friends. It isn't worth the money it cost. The dancers were good, but the over all performance was very much lacking.
This year's interpretation of the Nutcracker was unique and awesome. Costuming was stupendous and the dancers did an excellent job. It's always "iffy" when local dancers are incorporated into the production, but the kids did a great job. Will attend again next time they're in town.
The show was beautiful but I was expecting more of the traditional way.
