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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.
This was our 5th year watching Neglia Ballet’s Nutcracker. Beautiful as always. Some new props made for a fresh performance. The local students and out of town professionals show a lovely blend of talent.
We loved every minute. The ballet was lovely, the choreography was unique, lively and fun. The theater was beautiful, full of old word charm.
I loved the theater. The customer service there was great. The dancers were amazing and very talented. I personally enjoy a more classic take on the ballet with the songs i know from childhood and the scenes but overall the ballet was well done and the orchestra did a great job. The woman next to us was disgruntled that we had to walk past her to get in our seats. We werent laye or anything but she was rude. But thats some people for you. The drinks they served were delicious. The line to the bathroom was outrageous. All in all it was a nice night out and fun evening
Performance was excellent. I've never seen a ballet, but was with someone who is a former ballet dancer and we were both thoroughly impressed. The performance of the orchestra and the dancers was flawless - they were all clearly very talented. The artistic director's rendition of this classic was well done and well executed. The venue was a very cool, ornate old theatre that made you feel like you had gone back in time. The champagne reception was better than expected, with plenty of champagne, wine, snacks, and desserts. I'd definitely see this dance company and/or orchestra again, and would go back to this venue for sure. Very good experience for my first ballet!
My group felt that the dancing was superior to last year's performance. The music was outstanding. We loved the vocal choir that came in (not sure which part that was). The costumes were excellent. The facial expressions made the ballet come to life. The Paramount staff was professional and helpful. Our only complaint was the restroom access. The lines to the restrooms (as usual) were ridiculous. There just aren't enough stalls for that audience size. We were stuck in line so long that we missed the Arabian dancers.
The show was amazing and perfectly timed. The after party was fun, food and drinks delicious and well organized. Dancers were awesome and loved how receptive there were to take photos and chat.
Because it's a Christmas classic....The Nutcracker after all, AND at Shea's, and the BPO it was a memorable experience. Ok having said that, the performance itself was lackluster. Aside from 2-3 individuals, the choreography was boring, too much 'running around' very little actual 'dancing' it looked more like 'barre work', the women were clod-like with poor extensions and their leaps were heavy. The set seemed old and worn. For their reputation, I expect more.
Engaging for my young daughter, the music was incredible and the dancers were amazing. Such a beautiful performance!
The children were great talented and super cute.the music was great.
I had the best experience! I took my granddaughters and we all loved it. I think it might be a new Christmas tradition for us!
This was the sixth time I’ve seen The Nutcracker. My fifth at Shea’s - and this show was by far, the best, and my favorite! We had sixth row, end seats - and to be so close to the dancers was just amazing! They are incredible! And the orchestra was truly outstanding - to be able to listen to and enjoy such beautiful music was a joy to one’s soul. This night spent at Shea’s with the dancers and musicians, and bringing my friend to see The Nutcracker for her first time ever, was one of my favorite evenings this year. We had a truly wonderful time, and Shea’s is just beautiful at Christmas - one has to see it to appreciate it. I loved it! Can you tell?
One word to describe it all Magnificent!! We will be coming back again next year to see them again!
seating was great, courteous and helpful ushers, first act was so so and hard to follow if you’ve never seen the nutcracker, second was much better.
I used to have season tickets to Oakland ballet back in the 1980's because I wanted to support them and I also used to take class there while I was going to Mills College for my masters in modern dance. While there are always a few exceptional dancers in this company my overall impression has always been that the dancers do not transport the viewer. When I watch ballet I do not want to think about how much effort the dancers are putting into their art and when I watch Oakland Ballet dancers I am distracted by their effort. I was also displeased with the fact that hordes of people were seated both after the ballet began as well as after intermission was over. It was very distracting. I think next year I will try the San Francisco Ballet production of the Nutcracker.
Wonderful job! We thoroughly enjoyed the show. Planning to attend again next year !
Very childish and best for only Children Was cute but for parents and kids only
My family and I had a wonderful time at the Ballet. The venue and the seats where we sat were very comfortable. For the price I couldn't believe I was finally able to see a ballet in Queens especially The Nutcracker, I didn't have to travel to New York City. Breathtaking!!!
Great orchestra, costumes, dance. Got me in the Christmas spirit!
The orchestra and the dancers were so talented and the show was wonderful.
What a great family event. The ballet was beautiful. Thank you for a wonderful experience.