The past few years I've started a tradition of going to the Boston Opera House to see Mikko Nissinen's version of The Nutcracker. My family never went when I was a kid so when I first moved to Boston I thought it would be cool to make it my thing. (Just read last year's post.)
Anyway, this year was the first year Boston Ballet used new sets, costumes and props. At first, I was hesitant. The intro was different, the living room scene felt a little off, and for much of the first act I felt gypped. What got everything back on course was when midnight hit and everything turned crazy. The Nutcracker is a man! The Rat King is a great swordsman! From that point on I was in like Flint.
Overall, I give it 2 thumbs up. Most of my early issues revolved around the new sets and trying to find everything in its new place. (The tree is in the center of the stage now instead of the left. The grandfather clock is in the front left instead of the back right.) Once you acclimate yourself though you will be happy as a clam. And for anyone who hasn't seen Boston Ballet's performance before this will be a complete non-issue. It is running through December 30 so make sure to check it out while you still have a chance!
Showing posts with label the nutcracker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the nutcracker. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Nutcracker
Last night we continued our holiday tradition of going to see The Nutcracker performed by the Boston Ballet at the Boston Opera House. This year is actually the final year they are using these props, costumes and effects. They have been in use for nearly 20 years and I am happy to say I got to see them the past 3 years.
When I was a kid we never went to see The Nutcracker (A fact further impressed on me when I couldn’t follow the story my first time). I remember some of my classmates mentioning it in elementary school and I didn’t get it. Why would anyone want to see a ballet anyway? But really, I was curious and a little jealous.
Fast forward many years to 2009. I had already been living in Boston for 2 years but hadn’t bumped into The Nutcracker at all. Yet one fateful day I was on Twitter and noticed something the indispensable @BostonTweet had posted. It was a link to Boston Ballet’s website where you could purchase tickets that day for 15% off. I was excited and intrigued so I went all in and haven’t looked back.
Now that I know the plot I absolutely adore going and I consider this my new Christmas tradition. It’s nice to dress up and go out and watch the fine arts. Have a sit down dinner and feel refined. But come on, it’s for the young at heart. The bear? One-armed gingerbread man? The black sheep? You got me -- I am the lowest common denominator and I love it.
When I was a kid we never went to see The Nutcracker (A fact further impressed on me when I couldn’t follow the story my first time). I remember some of my classmates mentioning it in elementary school and I didn’t get it. Why would anyone want to see a ballet anyway? But really, I was curious and a little jealous.
Fast forward many years to 2009. I had already been living in Boston for 2 years but hadn’t bumped into The Nutcracker at all. Yet one fateful day I was on Twitter and noticed something the indispensable @BostonTweet had posted. It was a link to Boston Ballet’s website where you could purchase tickets that day for 15% off. I was excited and intrigued so I went all in and haven’t looked back.
Now that I know the plot I absolutely adore going and I consider this my new Christmas tradition. It’s nice to dress up and go out and watch the fine arts. Have a sit down dinner and feel refined. But come on, it’s for the young at heart. The bear? One-armed gingerbread man? The black sheep? You got me -- I am the lowest common denominator and I love it.
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