The best local Nutcracker is in Seattle

Big production, a family favorite

By Tyler Hemstreet on December 5, 2011

The Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of the famous holiday tale starts Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 27 at McCaw Hall in Seattle. Tacoma's Pantages Theater will also host the musical Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18 and 21.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, it's rather easy to follow and gets everyone in the holiday mood. The Pacific Northwest Ballet's production features stellar choreography (by Kent Stowell) - that will surprise even those who are not fans of ballet - and elaborate set and costume design (by Maurice Sendak).

In several scenes, the set comes alive to compliment the action on the stage, from the unfurling of a large Christmas tree that almost magically takes shape in front of the audience's eyes to the emergence of the mouse king, who lunges for the toy soldiers during a battle scene.

While the action of the battle gives way to the calmness of fairies dancing in the Land of Snow, the action picks up again in the Second Act when Clara (the main character) and the nutcracker prince sail to a faraway land. They witness some stellar solo performances from a dancer dressed as a peacock (one of the best costumes of the performance, hands down) and the three dervishes (clad in flesh-colored bodysuits with parachute-like pants).

Several of the solo acts - especially when Clara dances with the prince - require a tremendous amount of strength and balance. You don't have to be an expert to know that's worth the price of admission alone. All of this goes without even mentioning the music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, which is bound to put anyone in a holiday frame of mind.

Ticket prices for the Seattle show range from $28 up to $113, depending on seat location and dates. Tickets for the Tacoma City Ballet's performance of the show cost $19, $39, $49 and $60.

For more information on the Pacific Northwest Ballet's performance, visit www.pnb.org/Season/11-12/Nutcracker.

For more on the Tacoma performance, visit www.broadwaycenter.org/season/showDetails.asp?key=279.

Comments for "The best local Nutcracker is in Seattle" (1)

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TacomaCityBallet said on Dec. 06, 2011 at 11:05pm

There is also a military discount at Tacoma City Ballet's production at The Pantages Theater - hope you'll join us for this great holiday tradition!

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