Dance
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Our family loved the performance. Our three little girls were on the edge of their seats. The dancers were wonderful. Marie was stunning. We were all pleased with the music! The live orchestra was a welcomed return!
The magic was broken at the end when Maria is brought back home and lo and behold a stagehand is pushing the stairs back in the place! and they forgot to drop the Christmas tree! Glad I went but not a stellar performance.
Excellent! My girls can't wait to go again next year!
The entire performance was captivating from start to finish. The orchestra was fabulously flawless. Many times I was so focused on the ballet and its story that I'd forget to focus and appreciate the beautiful music along with it. Both of those components combined made for a spectacular performance. The ballet was breathtaking to watch; and the costumes were beautiful. What amazing talent--loved it!
The perfect way to kick off the holiday season! It was great to see it at the 50th Anniversary.
We have been attending the MDT Nutcracker every year for forty years. We looked forward to it, always enjoyed it and purchased tickets for others to attend. We have viewed the production as a Minnesota gem, worthy of attention such as being referred to as one of the ten best in the country. We have witnessed the changes in venues and celebrated when it moved to the State Theatre, since the production deserved the 'glory' of the State. We were at the Cowels for the one-year stint and were relieved to see it return to the State. This year, we attended the first performance on Friday evening, Dec. 19. Unfortunately, we were unpleasantly surprised. The first half was "slow." We couldn't figure it out, since the music seemed the same. We were aware of some changes in choreography and general production, which seemed interesting. However, it soon became evident that the dancing did not measure up to the professionalism we have come to expect from the MDT production. One word describes it in general: sloppy. That reference also describes the curtain call, which we have aways appreciated: a quick, creative, spirited 'review' of the entire production through 'touches' of individual sections. However, the final lines of performers taking their final bows was unprofessional, at best. In short, sloppy. We can appreciate organizing such a large company, which always has been choreographed to the finest detail. Not so this year. What has happened? We hope that whatever has caused this year's 'blip' will be addressed and that professionalism will return to next year's production.
Awesome! Gorgeous! Best nutcracker we have ever seen! You must go at least once in your lifetime! Or make it a family tradition. You won't be sorry!
What a great show. Beautiful evening in downtown followed by this wonderful show, it couldn't be better.
I had never seen it before and I took 2 granddaughters, 9 & 11 with me. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The costumes were beautiful, the dancing was enthralling and the State Theater just made it so much more special. Thank you to all the performers, orchestra, and everyone else who had a hand in putting on this ballet.
We were extremely impressed with this presentation. The costumes, talented performers, and orchestra were beyond expectation. The State Theatre was beautiful and the staff were very helpful. The ballet held our 7 year old's attention completely from beginning to end. We would recommend this to anyone.
I loved the performance! My son was disappointed that there was no rat king
Typical Houlton Nutcracker, great costumes and stage settings. This was full of fun and color as always, a Nutcracker for the kids or for those who think they are still kids. I've been going to the Nutcracker for literally decades and it really isn't Christmas without it. Great to see it with a live orchestra again.
Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy never fails to deliver exquisite holiday entertainment. It's attention to style and precision always guarantees sheer delight. This year's return to the State Theatre complete with the beauty of live orchestration provided added sophistication and luster, as well. The total package is truly an annual tradition-worthy event for all ages.
I saw Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy back in the 70's. It was spectacular then, it's even better now! Back then it was in Northrup Auditorium, a venue which was massive. The State Theater is much more intimate! With Phillip Brunelle leading the orchestra I knew the music would be awesome. BUT, the dancing was, in a word, spectacular! Right down to the littlest mouse! It's truly a credit to Ms. Houlton's memory. In the large scenes where everyone (or so it seems) is on stage, it is so well conceived and directed. Everyone has "business"! No one just stands around, yet the "business" does not detract from the dancing, but serves to enhance! THAT is truly amazing! Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday memory!
A wonderful production and interpretation of The Nutcracker ballet. I saw it several times when Loyce Houlton was still alive, and it is still a delight. One criticism: the tutu-like costumes for the female Chinese dancers.
It is my second year. Loved it! Glad there was a live orchestra.
Have seen a dozen or so interpretations of the Nutcracker over the past 25-30 years. The dancing, choreography, and costumes in this performance were lovely! I especially liked the inclusion of the youngest dancers, and the playful touches with the little mice. The opening scenes in the family home are gorgeous-- really wonderful sets and drops. My only criticism of this performance is that it almost seems like the money (or time?) ran out for the sets in Act II! Perhaps it was purely an artistic choice to have such minimalist sets for the dances in the land of sweets (often just lights), but I was missing more of the sumptuous lighting and sets in Act II that I have seen in other performances. And Clara and her prince were removed from the stage to a box up high and seemed very disconnected from the performances because of their location. I did love the live orchestra! Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara, and the Mouse Queen (an illness substitution) were absolutely wonderful dancers! It was a lovely performance, and our party really enjoyed it as a holiday outing.
Awesome, back at the state theater and orchestra was back,
This was my first time to the State Theatre. It was lovely and I enjoyed the ballet very much.
I was in the audience in 1964 and I last attended the "Fantasy" in about 1981 before this year. The changes are subtle, only enhancing the original. Congratulations to Lise.
