Photo by Angela Sterling/PNB |
Thanksgiving weekend, the Pacific Northwest Ballet opened their annual production of “The Nutcracker”, and once again hit the ball out of the park in what is turning out to be a nearly mint season for them. With soaring music by legendary 19th century composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and featuring choreography by Kent Stowell, and an astounding design by Maurice Sendak, the show proves its self within the first ten minutes why it’s a tradition in the city, and whose delicate mixture of purely entertaining theatrics and organized dance standards should command the notion of being one of the city’s hottest tickets. If you have never seen the show, I highly encourgage you to quit the hesitation, and feast upon it’s splendor; If you have seen the show, and are still on the fence, I couldn’t desire you to get off and get on over as soon as you possibly can. This beautiful fairy tale adventure deserves packed houses every night, and it’s future delighting audiences is truly vital.
The story is simple, and charming: a young girl named Clara receives a Nutcracker from her Godfather Drosselmeier, a fumbling magical inventor whose toys spring into life, and tense up as quickly as they started. Later that evening, Clara wakens to discover a war between her toys led by the Nutcracker and the house’s mice inhabitants in full gear, and with her help, a victorious finale secures the Nutcracker and Clara’s safety. Once the Nutcracker transforms into a dashing Prince, the attraction between our hero and heroine finds its way, and they are whisked off to a mystical land in the middle of the sea where they find themselves entertained by the colourful creatures and a public which seems to be a representation of many cultures.
27 years after PNB’s premier of this particular “Nutcracker”, and I wouldn’t put it past many to wonder if the years have finally gotten the best of it, and perhaps a taste of staleness has overridden the aroma. It’s my distinct pleasure to relate the news that this conception is quite incorrect, as the ballet is as luscious and well preserved as one could hope. The delicacy of its staging is worth treasuring, and the theatrical magic constructed tugs at the heart and relaxes the brain. It’s an easy ballet to watch; and I’d imagine it’s always been perceived as such. The story is grand, the dancing a fine mix of both breathtaking form and motion and creative performance-heavy characterization, perfectly assessible for anyone of any age and background to marvel in.
The ballet’s ensemble does not disappoint, with some standout moments by Carla Körbes as Clara, one of PNB’s finest dancers, and Batkhurel Bold as the Prince, with Act II’s gorgeous, emotionally impactful “Pas de Deux” giving the audience their finest hour. Carrie Imler gives an equally impressive performance as the soloist, Flora, during “The Waltz of the Flowers”, and Adriana Lallone steams up Act II’s other intimate moment during the Peacock’s Dance. Outside of the stylish work from the performers, the design team should never go without being fully recognized for their flawless work year after year. The transitions from one scene to the next are some of the most awe-inducing moments during the entire evening, and next to Mr. Sendak’s costume and scenic design, Randall G. Ghiarelli’s masterful lighting design is dazzling, moody, and exact.
So, once again, this is your chance to catch one of Seattle’s finest stage traditions, and perfectly whirl in the holiday season. Tickets to “The Nutcracker” are on sale right now at http://www.pnb.org, or available at 206-441-2424.
– Aiden Karamanyan