Post Gazette: For many, "The Nutcracker" is as much a part of winter as eggnog, a crackling fire and freshly fallen snow.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artistic director Terrence Orr's adaptation is as perfectly Pittsburgh as the PPG ice skating rink or the Downtown creche, thanks to its references to local landmarks such as the F.W. McKee residence in Shadyside, the Kaufmann's (now Macy's) clock and nods to well-known area surnames such as Heinz and Kaufmann.
10 comments:
Every year, during the holiday season, you simply can't go on without hearing something about the Nutcracker ballet. Having never seen it, I kind of want to take the time to experience it this year. The childrens book was always read to me as a child, and I think that the holiday spirit is very much embodied in this show. Hopefully I'll be able to catch the show in Pittsburgh because the changes to the show that were mentioned sounded exciting. It is also nice to hear that there are those who work on the show that are still as enthusiastic as ever producing is and making it special for the holidays. Especially if it is the kind of show that has been made a tradition for some. If your work becomes too much like work, then you know yur in the wrong place. It doesn't have to be the thing that your constantly excited about but it can't be boring. Thankfully, this article shows that it isn't for the Nutcracker crew.
It's neat to hear these inside perspectives on a timeless show like The Nutcracker. Also, it's good that the production includes subtle changes each year to keep things interesting without changing the story around. It's interesting how many of the dancers were inspired to pursue their careers from seeing this same show at a young age, and it must mean a lot to them to be able to carry on the spirit of the Nutcracker and inspire even more people to do the same.
This sounds like a great performance. This is my first year in Pittsburgh so I haven't heard of it before, but now I'm expecting to hear a lot about it every year. I think it would be a lot of fun to be a regular, and to look for the small changes they make each year. It would also be interesting to be one of the people making those changes, and wondering what the audience will and won't notice. The personal stories at the bottom of the article are nice, and remind me of a lot of similar things I've heard from people in theatre.
The Nutcracker and I have had a long, drawn out and sometimes dysfunctional relationship that has been drawn out over about fifteen years, when I, like several of the dancers in the article, first was taken by my grandmother and my father to see the Nutcracker. This year will be the first in a long time that I will not be working on a Nutcracker, either dancing or working backstage. One of my favorite aspects of the Nutcracker is how even though the story line, the characters and most especially the music are so iconic, it is possible to mount an infinite number of distinct and special productions, each finding their own balance of whimsy, magic, love and wonder.
I must admit that I am one of those people who goes to see the nutcracker every year. I am from the Bay Area in California so every year since I was too little to remember I have gone to the San Francisco ballet’s production of the nutcracker. Even though I have seen it at least 15 times I am amazed by it ever year. It is always beautiful and transports you to a fantastical world. I enjoyed hearing about how the nutcracker impacted the lives of the dancers who are performing it now. And i would be interested to see how a Pittsburgh production differs from a San Francisco one.
I love The Nutcracker it brings back so many great childhood memories of the holidays. And I loved hearing other people perspectives especially dancers on the iconic story. I like that each year the show is a little different to shake things up but the important things stay true and the same every year.
I always go to see the Nutcracker every year with my grandma, mom and sisters and it is always a joy. One of my fondest memories was the day my mom bought me autographed point shoes from the dancer who played Clair. It was one of the most magical moments of my childhood.
I just saw the nutcracker last weekend because it was my sister's first time performing in it. She just started pointe this year was a part of the French and Rosebud dances. The Nutcracker is a beautiful show and definitely reminds every one of the holiday without being really based on christmas specifically. I would see The Nutcracker every year and i think it inspires a lot of magic in children. I can see any young girl wanting to be a ballerina after watching a production o the nutcracker or even watching it every year as she grows up. I do however, always associate the music with Disney's Fantasia rather than with the holiday.
What I love about this article is the quotes from the dancers at Pittsburgh Ballet. It is refreshing to hear what enchants them about this story that is told over and over again. What I really like about this story, and ballet performances in general, is the ability for dancers to switch from one role to another rather seamlessly. Julia may be Sugar Plum fairy or Snow Queen one night, but she will play Marie at some point later in the performance schedule. What is so fascinating is that although the dancers will individually rotate throughout roles, their partners in those roles will be consistent. One of my favorite memories from the Nutcracker with PBT is the amount of children backstage. Their involvement with the production is critical, and for a professional ballet performance, rather substantial. Granted, I do prefer that Marie is danced by a professional ballerina, but it is nice to have age and talent appropriate roles for younger dancers
I love Mother Ginger (the woman with the giant skirt with all the children under it). She has always been my favorite part because it was always magical to me how she could fit all of those children under her skirt. I love the Nutcracker in general because of it's magic. It truly is for the spectacle. It is about imagining. Yes the dancing is important but it is really about creating this iconic fantasical winter world. Nothing really says Christmas as much to me as this.
I've always loved The Nutcracker. Like most of the dancers in this production mentioned, it was the first ballet I ever saw. It's also the only ballet I've ever seen. I'm glad to see the director take some creative license in tweaking the show every so slightly to keep it interesting for everyone involved. When you decide to put on a show that's performed year after year by multiple dance companies, it's nice to know that your production has elements that no other production has, even if it's as slight as a different costume color.
Post a Comment