Nutcracker
by 1Meg1 on 11/29/09Shea's Performing Arts Center - BuffaloWe usually attend another type of Nutcracker, so this was new to us. Wonderful show! Would do it again next year!
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The Nutcracker On Tour
Every adaptation of The Nutcracker is the same, yet each The Nutcracker is different from all others. Although it premiered in Saint Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre on December 18, 1892, composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker wouldn't become the dependably magical holiday-season reaffirmation of Christmas joy we know and love until decades later.
Marius Petipa, who commissioned Tchaikovsky's music, and Lev Ivanov originally choreographed the world's most popular ballet. It was loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' The Story of a Nutcracker, the French writer's adaptation of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was a fantastical story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann. Mourning the recent death of his sister, Tchaikovsky was often unhappy while composing the work, which he nonetheless imbued with some of his most enduringly gorgeous music. (The descending melody in the adagio section of the "Grand Pas de Deux" is said to reflect his feelings.)
Russian ballet was flourishing at the time The Nutcracker debuted, and no expense was spared. In Petipa's production, 60 snowflakes wore long white tutus and matching crowns adorned with fluff balls. The battle scene's soldiers, meanwhile, were recruited from a military academy rather than ballet school, leading to a less-than-elegant confrontation.
The Nutcracker was fated to become more popular abroad than in its birthplace, and was subsequently tailored to suit its new audiences. Encouraged by local Russian émigrés, Willam Christensen mounted the first full American production in San Francisco in 1944. Ten years later, George Balanchine choreographed a landmark version for the New York City Ballet, imbuing it with what Nutcracker Nation author Jennifer Fisher calls its "familial feeling." Balanchine's version was broadcast on national television a few years later with narration by June Lockhart (of Lassie fame).
While nearly every subsequent version of The Nutcracker contains falling snow, fighting mice, dancing candy, and a growing tree (asked to produce it without the tree, Balanchine reportedly replied, "No, the ballet is the tree"), some intriguing mutations have emerged. These include Nutcrackers on ice, the animated adaptation Walt Disney included in the 1940 movie Fantasia, and The Harlem Nutcracker, a swinging jazz revision by choreographer Donald Byrd.
A remarkably resilient blend of complex classical ballet, popular imagery, and holiday nostalgia, The Nutcracker has taken on a life of its own since it first appeared one cold Russian winter over 100 years ago.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Rating: 4 out of 5 Technically amazing
by Annastashia on 11/29/09Shea's Performing Arts Center - BuffaloThere is no disputing the amazing talented dancers in this company. The sets were interesting and sometimes enchanting. However the land of the Sugarplum fairy was not as mesmerizing as I have seen in other productions. Neither was the choreography for those dancers that include the fairies, Spanish, Arabian, Oriental pair and Russian. Usually the children I bring along are focused during these dances but this time they became bored because they cannot appreciate the technical prowess of the dancers which was outstanding. A little more visual stimulation in terms of set for the sugarplum land would make it more appealing to the younger audience. They loved the cupcake, very original yet traditional.
Rating: 2 out of 5 Disappointed Arts SA Nutcracker
by Samm133 on 11/29/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioAverage show nothing "magical" . Auditorium was hot!
Rating: 5 out of 5 WARM TO THE HEART
by THEFINDER on 11/29/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioTHE SHOW WAS WONDERFUL WITH THE COLOR AND THE MUSIC AND JUST THE ACTORS THEM SELF MADE THE SHOW APART OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. THE DANCER WHERE VERY WONDERFUL WITH THERE DANCING WITH SO MUCH HEART AND SPIRITED. I WOULD RECOMMEND FOR ANYBODY TO GO SEE THIS SHOW AND THEY WILL LEAVE WITH A SMILE ON THERE FACE AND A WARMTH IN THERE HEART.....
Rating: 5 out of 5 Nutcracker was fabulous
by Snowfairy on 11/29/09Shea's Performing Arts Center - BuffaloDancers: Spectacular Choreography: Fabulous Costumes: Infinitly detailed!! Props: Gorgeous but problematic Overall a spectacular event that was enjoyed by all both young and old!!!
Rating: 2 out of 5 inferior product
by Mortem on 11/29/09Shea's Performing Arts Center - BuffaloThe Neglia Ballet's production of the Nutcracker paled in comparison to the Ballet Met's production the last two years. It was a game effort with the sets and costums, but the choreography and the dancing we lacking in excitement and passion.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Excellent show for the money.
by vb13 on 11/28/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioA most enjoyable performance. I have seen the Nutcracker many times and in various cities of the world, and the San Antonio show was very well done.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Nutcracker was great
by Anonymous on 11/28/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioThe nutcracker was amazing, had a wonderful time. The only thing was the seats, I have never been at the municipal auditorium and did not know that the seats were that close. Or maybe I just need to lose a couple of pounds. Anyways I would difintely would recommend it.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Nutcracker is worth seeing.
by RLCarpenter on 11/28/09McCaw Hall - SeattleBrilliant...truly recommend checking out this show
Rating: 4 out of 5 PNB Nutcracker Ballet
by bestmomever63 on 11/28/09McCaw Hall - SeattleOverall excellent! Loved the costumes, set design, children! Thought the two leads could have been stronger, especially the male dancer--thought he would not be able to lift partner. A must see for the young and young at heart!!!
Rating: 4 out of 5 Great local talent!
by DCPHR on 11/28/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioThe Nutcracker was wonderful! The dancers did an excellent job and the symphony was fabulous! You can get good seats at an affordable price and it's a great way to get in the holiday spirit. For first timers. This is a ballet. You let the music and dancing tell you the story. No narrative. You will be watching a classic artform for 3 hours. Small children could get restless.
Rating: 5 out of 5 The Nutcracker was gorgeous!
by rriepma on 11/28/09San Antonio Municipal Auditorium - San AntonioI was very impressed with the beautfil Russian ballerinas and costumes. The orchestra was right on! The extra cast was great too. Highly recommend!