"GEORGE BALANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKER" PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET 12/4/21 7:30pm Performance Eclectic Arts
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA
Review: 12/4/21 7:30pm Performance
For many in the Pacific Northwest, the holidays mean an annual visit to McCaw Hall for the spectacle that is “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker”. There is no denying that upon entering the venue - seeing the gigantic Christmas tree, the festive holiday decor all throughout McCaw Hall, and many patrons dressed up in their holiday best - it is easy to get in the spirit of the season.
I tend to people watch to get a vibe on the audience for any given event at McCaw Hall. This year there was much more of a welcome anticipation of being back in-person after the Covid-19 induced absence that was 2020. Not just for myself (which was very true), but for the majority of the patrons that attended.
As I entered through the Covid-19 protocols outside, there was much laughter, giggles, eyes wide open by the children, and just a good buzz around the hall. This continued as more and more patrons came in. Attendees of all ages, more dressed up this year than previously, from a diverse demographic filtered in as the curtain call drew near.
This year’s performance followed the format that is Balanchine. Yes, a few things were altered/changed costume wise (to keep with the times) but the majority of the performance was still the same.
One striking difference of course were the masks on all of the younger performers (and one adult looking performer, too). Just another reminder of the trying times we’re living in.
This was my third time seeing this edition of “George Balanchine's The Nutcracker” in as many years. I still have my quibbles about the stiff choreography, the lighting design choices at times (especially the second act), etc. But this year the PNB company dancers really made things worthwhile. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I haven’t seen an in-person PNB performance in two years. Or perhaps it was because I recognized some of the familiar faces on stage Saturday night, somewhat like seeing old friends again. Perhaps most of all it was experiencing the high art that is ballet in a convivial atmosphere during the holidays. In other words, I enjoyed this experience fully.
For those annual return suspects, there has been much talk about which version is better - the current one or the previous PNB version that played for many, many years. My advice? Go see it for yourself and form your own opinion.
“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” runs through December 28th. Click HERE! to purchase tickets.
Happy Holidays,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
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