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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 such a professional Nutcracker! The sets and costumes were spectacular and the dancing so amazing! The children in this were so good and the soloists so talented! Loved every wonderful moment!
Three reasons I have this an average review. Reason one the seating was terrible and did not align to the ticket prices. Second, this is not a movie but the snacks sold would have suggested a low budget movie theatre, the smell permeated the auditorium. Last, the actually dancing several of the main characters was subpar. Highlights were the children especially a few that really stood out. I also loved the gypsy dancers.
Few minor details. The Russian Dance was poor. Consider male dancers. One of the male dancers was overweight. Good dancer but overweight. The corps de ballet was asynchronous with the tempos. Recommendation use an orchestra and let the conductor manage the tempos. Mother Ginger was average to say the best. Excellent Performance by the Cuban Soloists. The main dancer and the mulatto dancer were excellent. Ingenious utilization of lights for the mice entrance. Good coordination with the tempos. The soldiers battle was real good. Again great use of illumination. Excellent tempos. The jetes, the purouette's and the grand jete between the Cuban male dancer and the ballerina were a bravo.
Awesome scenes, costumes, truly a magical event! The backdrops were beautiful, the story was brought out so realistically, the dancers were absolutely stunning. My first time to attend Clowes Hall, I was very impressed with everything. The ease of picking up my ticket, the parking, the easy getting in and out of the building. Will attend more events in the future!
The dancing was wonderful, the sets were neat. I loved the giant Christmas tree! I've never seen one that big. Were the dancers at the Sugarplum party actually in the sugar castle that was given as a present in the beginning of the show? Clara and the Prince were really beautiful. I thought the kids also did a great job.
I absolutely loved my first ever experience. I have never seen a ballet before, my husband had always been wanting to see it. So he explained a few parts here and there. However we intend to make the Nutcracker a holiday tradition with the Maryland Ballet!
My wife and I brought our 3 young children and we enjoyed it thoroughly! The venue was very nice and the performance was excellent.
it was expecting something different, they needed an better story
The show was fabulous. The dancing was great, the music was great and the theatre was great. I have seen some other negative reviews about the theatre, but they are all overly, and I mean picky overly critical. I found the show to be very entertaining and I have to admit that this may have been the first time that I did not dose off during a ballet.
The performance overall was amazing. I would recommend to sit closer to the stage, it was hard to hear. The music should be louder. I would also recommend that if you're taking smaller children take booster seats. They will not be able to see the stage. UTEP should have booster seats readily available.
Bottom line- the show is worth seeing. The theater itself is extremely beautiful and covered with gorgeous, ornate artwork. As far as the show goes, the dancers, as well as the orchestra are both very well-rehearsed. You can really tell that these people put a lot of effort into making a good show. Thanks again!
The Butler Ballet gives a beautiful performance of the Nutcracker. It was fabulous.
It was an awesome performance, we enjoyed ourselves
I attend every year and each year it gets better. The performances, choreography, costumes and music were all pure perfection! I went to see the Russian Ballet perform the Nutcracker at the Murat and although it was a great performance, the Butler Ballet Team and Orchestra were absolutely the best. Bravo Butler Ballet and Orchestra! I highly recommend this to everyone!
The show rivals anything I have seen at the Kennedy Center or elsewhere in the DMV The choreography was exciting especially Russian and Spanish. The dancing was both technically on point as well as artistic. Clara was a dream to watch. The live orchestra was an added bonus to the magical performance. I would recommend this to anyone who loves the Nutcracker. A great way to start the holiday season.
Would it be possible to start on time and close the doors to all of those that don't arrive on time? It is very rude and uncomfortable to have to be distracted by people that arrive late!!!
Between the souvenirs, the concession prices and the ballet, I can't decide what was the best. It was all fantastic! The prices for the souvenirs or the concessions weren't too expensive. The only thing I suggest next time, when serving alcohol always card the customers even if they look old enough.
My 8 year old son saw a commercial advertising the Nutcracker and expressed that he wanted to go see it. I jumped at the chance to expose him to the experience and immediately bought us tickets. I enjoyed the show and I enjoyed even more that he had a positive experience. I would go again.
This was a phenomenal representation of local ballet. The set, costumes and music were top notch. The ballet was excellent. Professional and strong. This was the complete package. A wonderful afternoon for me and my children. 6 and 8 years old.
No Orchestra was present which I was kind of disappointed in. The dancing was amazing. The first half was the story of the Nutcracker and the second half was just ballet dancing. I was disappointed that the story didn't really have an ending. It was ok. No photography or videography. No food was sold beside cookies.