There’s nothing quite like the delicious magic of “The Nutcracker” to welcome in the holiday season. Beloved by both dancers and audience members, it is a perfect, family friendly performance that comes to life annually. The Academy of Music in Philadelphia, adorned in festive glamour, has once again become the stage for George Balanchine’s revered production of the timeless ballet until December 30th. On December 14th, I had the pleasure of attending the show for coverage at the Bi-Co News.
Renowned as the Father of American Ballet, choreographer George Balanchine beautifully melds the classic ballet with modern twists, bringing to life E.T.A Hoffman’s original tale of mischief, magic and confectionary delights. The curtains ascend to reveal a magnificent 12ft Christmas tree at the center of the stage, bedecked with warm colourful lights, as the Stahlbaum children and their friends revel in the holiday spirit at their parent’s Christmas party. Soon enough, the whole family and all their guests are joyously dancing around the stage. The richness of the costumes and the warm glow of the lighting in the Stahlbaum house perfectly set the scene for the the adventures of little Marie in the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
As Marie drifts into a deep sleep on the couch with her beloved Nutcracker, the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur and the audience is immersed into a world of magic. The epic battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King unfolds, the music quickening and the lights dimming. It is the legendary defeat of the Mouse King, however, that shuts the door on reality and whisks Marie and the audience into the Land of Sweets.
The snowflake dance, enchanting and glimmering, earns audible gasps from the audience. Judanna Lynn’s ethereal costume design enhanced each pirouette and grand battement, creating a mesmerising interplay of movement and costuming. As the whimsical residents of the Land of Sweets welcome Marie and her Prince with dances, children in the audience giggle and clap in joy. Followed by pure delight as Mother Ginger takes center stage and her Polichinelle children emerge out from underneath her larger and life skirt, prompting laughter and cheer from the audience.
It is the dazzling dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, however, that truly captivated the audience. Preformed by Dayesi Torriente, every movement radiates grace, elegance and a touch of magic. Her cavalier who was brought to life by Arian Molina Soca effortlessly preforms his final variation consisting of continuous leaps and fouettes which left the audience spellbound. The final Pas de Deux ties the whole production together with glimmering elegance right before Marie and her Prince are whisked back to their home.
As the dancers take center stage and bow, a large bouquet of colourful flowers is handed to the Sugar Plum Fairy. In a charming gesture, she plucks a single flower from the bouquet and extends it to her loyal Cavalier right before the curtains gracefully descend.
Get your tickets to the show before the holiday season is over!
