Anyone else catch the SF Ballet's Nutcracker last night?

[supportivemom]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 10:49am

It was on PBS' Great Performances. It was a beautifully staged, costumed, choreographed, and danced production. I hope they repeat it!

[singingwendy]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:38am

I watched this last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. I must admit, however, that it was driving me crazy during the party scene when music was used for different dances than I was used to! But, that's why it's a new production.

I loved the whole "World's Fair" concept. I especially liked the French Reed Flutes with their ribbons and the male toreadors. I'm not sure how I liked Clara dancing the Grande Finale that's usually given to the Sugar Plum Fairy... it seemed to reduce the importance of Sugar Plum...but I understand how it worked in the story. I also thought the dancer who danced Snow Queen was just exquisite!

[justme2]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 11:45am

yes, we did...did you catch the poor ballerina who fell during the first act snow ballet?

Oh wait, I saw the matinee.

I was somewhat disappointed when the dancers from many lands were on, as the stage seemed very bare during their numbers. I recall from years back that a little more "set" was around during these numbers.

And why change one of the most memorable pieces of business? When the kids have to go back into the tent dress, and one of them lags behind and refuses to go in and does somersaults before finally disappearing? A heard a little rumbling around me when that didn't take place.

But overall a beautiful show, with a great orchestra.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 12:36pm

I'm sorry I didn't see this, but not sure if it was even shown in the DC area. I saw a very disappointing production by Pennsylvania Ballet last weekend. To erase that experience, I have tickets for NYCB's production on Tuesday.

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 12:48pm

The principal male dancer was driving me crazy as he has a tendency during jumps to throw his head back. It made the otherwise impressive jumps look too effortful, and ruins the body line. Knowing what an exquisite dancer Helgi Tomassen (the company director) was, I am surprised he hasn't trained that fault out of him!

[nealb1]

Posted: 12/18/08 at 3:53pm

I'll be in San Fran this weekend, and seeing SF Ballet's "The Nutcracker" on Friday night. My friend Luke is one of the dancers.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 3:45pm

Watching this right now in DC. What a stunning production both in overall design and choreography!

[mauriposa]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 3:50pm

Nope. But I'm going to catch the Joffrey Nutcracker in Chicago today.

[skb2010]

Posted: 12/21/08 at 11:46pm

I watched it today on PBS. I thought it was really well done.