The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center

[mattnyc2]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 12:28pm

Went to the 5pm performance of The Nutcracker last night at Lincoln Center. I had never seen the New York City Ballet do anything before and I'm really not a dance guy, so I had no idea what to expect. Luckily I was pleasantly surprised.

I've never wrote a review for a ballet before, so I'll just stick to the basics. The dancers were all excellent, very poised and extremely agile. At some points their feet were moving so fast that it looked like a blur. I was amazed at how many children were in this production and professional they all performed.

My favorite part of the show had to be the lavish scenery and costumes that rival anything I've seen on broadway. The effect of the tree rapidly growing in front of Clara was amazing and received a well deserved round of applause. The entrance into the Land of Sweets was truly magical, and the effect of watching the dancers perform in "snow" was worth the price of admission itself.

The whole reason that I went to this show is because I've always been a fan of the music, but have never heard it live. It was wonderful to hear Tschailkovsky's score played by a full orchestra. I can only imagine how great broadway shows would sound if they had that many orchestra members.

I was a little nervous about our seats, which were towards the back of the fourth ring. Yes they were HIGH HIGH up, but I saw everything fine and was able to take in the whole production.

Overall this a great show for anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit, even "non dancers" like myself.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 12:47pm

I love NYCB's production of The Nutcracker having seen it for the first time when I was 13. I haven't seen it in a few years, but I was just speaking with WAT about this just yesterday. The growing tree, and snow storm at the end of the first act always brings tears to my eyes.

I saw Washington Ballet's production the first year I moved to DC, and it drastically fell short of my expectations. Word can not express the disappointment in their production.

The Joffrey does a very nice production of The Nutcracker. When they were still based out of NYC, I used to see both NYCB's and Joffrey's production. The Joffrey has the most adorable gingerbread man in their ballet.

So glad you enjoyed it Mattnyc2.

[mattnyc2]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 3:42pm

The snow storm was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen done on stage. Since I was sitting way far up I was having trouble figuring out where the stage ended and the backdrop began. It's just one of those moments that reminds you how magical the theater can be.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 5:09pm

PalJoey'sPal and I go every year. Thursday will be our 12th Nutcracker together.

[jo]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 5:25pm

I first saw NUTCRACKER SUITE at the New York State Theatre decades ago. I saw it again last year at Lincoln Center and I was once again enchanted, as this has always been one of my favourite Christmas traditions!

I've several CDs of the music, a DVD of the George Balanchine version with the young Macaulay Caulkin as the prince and a video of the Bolshoi Ballet performing the ballet live in Moscow.

Beautiful entertainment and piece of culture for children and adults alike!

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 5:30pm

I think I have 976123876410238674 friends who have done this Nutcracker. I think they're all School of American Ballet kids. They are definitely well trained.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 6:48pm

I still have my program in which Macaulay Culkin appeared as Fritz in The Nutcracker.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 7:21pm

The NUTCRACKER SUITE is merely a selection of melodies from the ballet performed by an orchestra. THE NUTCRACKER is the proper name for the complete ballet.

Thank you very much.