Nutcracker
by Barbara Koblentz on December 27, 2012
My daughter and I enjoyed your version of the Nutcracker. But I have to admit that certain parts were not as spectacular as I have seen in the past. I do not believe that the original scene, where the family and friends arrive, was emphasised enough to truely familiarize oneself with the parents, uncles, aunts. The actual gift of the Nutcracker was not clear enough to those who do not know the story line. She goes to sleep with the toy Nutcracker and reawakens with the toy Nutcracker in her arms. Years ago there was the most spectacular Russian version done at the Fox. I wish I could remember more of the details. Perhaps you know which performance I am remembering. That performance stressed more of the opulence of that era. That is how family visited in those times. My mother grew up in Switzerland and enjoys the Nutcracker so much because it brings back the memories of her youth and how family came to visit. The room was decorated, with tree and gifts, and then the massive doors were opened and all the children were allowed to go inside!! That was the traditional way. I do not believe your opening depicted this in quite that way.
I imagine you are aware that the snow effect did not work and many in your audience were soaked? We were in row G. First I thought it was raining and then we realised it was some sort of foamy substance coming down on us. Not good. You would be better off using the fake, dry flakes. I wonder if others complained of this. I had to cover myself with my coat and the woman in front of me asked if she needed to get out her umbrella. My daughter had on her new Christmas coat and was not pleased at all. The foam had a strange smell.
Anyways, we had a wonderful evening. The dancers did a fabulous job. The snow scene was quite magical on stage! It is an enormous amount of work to put together such a production. I think the children did a fabulous job. Loved the music. Thank you and perhaps my few criticisms will help towards future productions. I even purchased an adorable Nutcracker as a souvenir! Thank you for all your hard work!!!!
Best Ever
by Mary P. Clark on December 27, 2012
We have attended The Nutcracker with our grandchildren on Christmas Eve over the last twelve years and are all agreed (ages 17, 14, 9, and 7) this performance was the best ever. Two years ago, we attended the New York City Ballet's Nutcracker. There is much about the Atlanta presentation that we prefer. This ballet is a Christmas treat for children - and we all like popcorn!
Great dancing, but what’s up with the modified story line?
by JKL on December 26, 2012
Great--no, fabulous--dancing! Nice special effects too. I took a group of high school music students who also loved it, but..... I was inundated with questions regarding the story line. Isn't the NUTCRACKER the hero to vanquishes the rat king? Doesn't he escort Maria/Clara to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, rather than her wandering off and stumbling upon it herself? And what's the point of the Christmas Tree "growing" (Maria/Clara "shrinking to toy size) if her gift Nutcracker is already life size? Is this a new trend in Nutcracker interpretation, or an alternate storyline? Yours doesn't follow either Balanchine or any of the plot synopses I've found online. Even so, great, magical evening!
Beautiful Nutcracker performance Dec 22
by Linda Dryer on December 26, 2012
Although I also enjoy small scale local community performances of The Nutcracker and have seen several professional performances in other cities, the dancers of the Atlanta Ballet were the best. Some dances were absolutely stunning. I enjoyed the variation from what I have seen in the past. I will definitely plan to see it again at the Fox next year.
Great show
by Kim on December 26, 2012
An event not to be missed in Atlanta. My daughter and I see a different production of the Nutcracker every year. It is wonderful to see each company's own version. Atlanta didn't disappoint.
Wonderful
by Tony Minella on December 26, 2012
This was my first time seeing the Atlanta Nutcracker. I was completely thrilled by all aspects of the performance including the orchestra. Since I have limited ballet knowledge I cannot comment on the choreography but the show was well worth every penny and minute spent. I will certainly be back next year. Great show!
Beautiful!….. but where was the Nutcracker?
by Renee` Bradshaw on December 25, 2012
I thought the choreography, music and wardrobe was stunning! My only complaint is the MISSING Nutcracker. Where was he? He was only featured in 3 dances, 2 of which he didn't even dance, but rather had dancers surround him. The Nutcracker, IS the play! After all the title is the Nutcracker. I fully embrace new interpretations of classics and in most regards this one was OUTSTANDING. My only suggestion is that in next years show they make the Nutcracker more central to the story.
Outstanding
by C Crain on December 20, 2012
Over the years I've seen too many Nutcracker ballet performances to count, and I did not think I could enjoy seeing another, no matter the company. A friend enthusiastically encouraged me to see John McFall's revised choreography, though. It is fabulous. He maintained the tradition while making the first act fresh and more enjoyable than anything I've experienced before. Congratulations Atlanta Ballet on a splendid performance.
Nutcracker Ballet
by Chris & Tamera Phillips on December 19, 2012
We are new to the Atlanta area and this was the first production that we have attended. It was an absolutely outstanding and flawless performance. The illusions added even more magic to the ballet.
The dancers were wonderful, not just the leads, but also the children, who were just magical.
Our attention never faded and we enjoyed the audience knowing when to clap along and support the cast. If this is the standard of the Atlanta Ballet, we will be there at every opportunity.
Thank you.
Chris and Tamera Phillips
Walked out After First Act
by diane on December 19, 2012
Did not enjoy this performance as choreography was dramatic departure from the Balanchine classic. The climatic first act adagio was particularly disappointing. The snow blowers drowned out the orchestra as well if you were seated in the loge.Selling popcorn during a ballet performance and an introductory Belk television commercial were not in keeping with what I expect when attending a classical performance. Have seen much better Nutcrackers by NYC Ballet, ABT, Pittsburgh Ballet, Portland Ballet and Miami.
Excellent Performance!
by Dulce Garcia on December 19, 2012
A magical evening with my mother! Had not seen this ballet in a very long time, and it was absolutely flawless. Loved the colors of the costumes and the stage.
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker
by Michael on December 19, 2012
Loved it! Very beautiful dancing and stage design!
magical
by Melissa on December 14, 2012
I took my 5 year old daughter for the first time and she loved it! We both enjoyed the show, very magical! We plan to make this a tradition every year.
The best “Nutcracker” I’ve ever seen!
by Scott Fugate on December 13, 2012
I have seen various versions of the Nutcracker done over the past 50 years all over the world during each Christmas season. I've even been involved in some consulting and performance training for some companies. However, this production amazed me! It brought out all the beauty, magic and fantasy of the ballet with grace and precision. It is undoubtably the best production of Nutcracker I've ever seen.
This isn’t “The Nutcracker”
by Melissa on December 13, 2012
While the ballet is beautifully performed by the dancers - I was left disappointed. The storyline and the choreography are changed - and the changes did not improve upon the original work, but instead diminish it. In fact, much of the choreography doesn't even go well with Tchaikovsky's music. As one who adores the ballet, and has seen Balanchine's choreography performed by many different professional dance companies - I was just really disappointed. Is Balanchine rolling in his grave? My guess - yes. As I said the dancers performed beautifully - but they did not perform "The Nutcracker." Why not choose different music, stop calling it "The Nutcracker" - which it is not - and call it
Atlanta Ballet's Christmas Spectacular" or anything other than "The Nutcracker"?
LOVED IT!
by Donna B on December 08, 2012
This rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet was magical! Very light and funny...with awesome dancing. Thanks for ushering in Christmas!
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker
by Anonymous on December 22, 2011
Much happier version of this often dark story. Some of the scenes were incredible. All were good.
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker was amazing!!!
by Dogsandcatsaregreat on December 22, 2011
The best yet! We are so fortunate to have such wonderful performances in the Atlanta area! This year's Nutcracker was exceptional! Wonderful for the whole family!
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