PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET George Balanchine's THE NUTCRACKER November 29 - December 28, 2024
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA
Review: 11/29/24 7:30pm Performance
It’s that time of year again. Where does the time go? On Black Friday evening, the Pacific Northwest Ballet staged their annual tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at McCaw Hall. Upon entering the venue - seeing the line of patrons to get their picture taken in front of the gigantic Christmas tree, the festive holiday decor all throughout McCaw Hall, and many patrons dressed up in their holiday best - it was easy to get in the spirit of the season.
Attendees of all ages, more dressed up this year than in previous years, from a diverse demographic filtered in as the curtain call drew near. The auditorium was warm in temperature and high in expectation.
The production this year was what I remembered from a few years back. This version of the show has always looked great on stage. I think the inevitable comparisons to the previous version is still a hangup for some patrons (based on what I heard before, during the intermission, and after the performance). I know what I’m getting with this show as do many other repeat offenders.
The dancers this year were as spectacular as you would hope for. Having said that, the young prince at our show could have used more expression with his gestures. I’m sure he’ll get better the more he performs throughout the run. I’m chalking his performance up to nerves which was only natural.
I’ve also come to expect that some patrons in the crowd only show up for this particular show once a year which is to say they are not a ballet crowd. They talk during the show, they unwrap their concessions, lights from phones illuminate their seats during the performance, they film the curtain call, etc. My immediate section behaved well which I was thankful for but I know many others didn’t because I could see and hear them from my seat. This is an ongoing issue every year and I honestly have no idea how to solve it. Again, at this point, I just throw my hands up and roll with the punches.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA
Review: 11/29/24 7:30pm Performance
(Pacific Northwest Ballet)
It’s that time of year again. Where does the time go? On Black Friday evening, the Pacific Northwest Ballet staged their annual tradition of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at McCaw Hall. Upon entering the venue - seeing the line of patrons to get their picture taken in front of the gigantic Christmas tree, the festive holiday decor all throughout McCaw Hall, and many patrons dressed up in their holiday best - it was easy to get in the spirit of the season.
Attendees of all ages, more dressed up this year than in previous years, from a diverse demographic filtered in as the curtain call drew near. The auditorium was warm in temperature and high in expectation.
The production this year was what I remembered from a few years back. This version of the show has always looked great on stage. I think the inevitable comparisons to the previous version is still a hangup for some patrons (based on what I heard before, during the intermission, and after the performance). I know what I’m getting with this show as do many other repeat offenders.
The dancers this year were as spectacular as you would hope for. Having said that, the young prince at our show could have used more expression with his gestures. I’m sure he’ll get better the more he performs throughout the run. I’m chalking his performance up to nerves which was only natural.
I’ve also come to expect that some patrons in the crowd only show up for this particular show once a year which is to say they are not a ballet crowd. They talk during the show, they unwrap their concessions, lights from phones illuminate their seats during the performance, they film the curtain call, etc. My immediate section behaved well which I was thankful for but I know many others didn’t because I could see and hear them from my seat. This is an ongoing issue every year and I honestly have no idea how to solve it. Again, at this point, I just throw my hands up and roll with the punches.
The show this year was a fine way to start the holiday season. Catch a performance before December 28th comes and goes.
“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” runs through December 28th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Happy Holidays,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
“George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” runs through December 28th. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Happy Holidays,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
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