The curtain rose on a snowy Christmas Eve, revealing the opulent, swirling décor of Dr. Stahlbaum's grand ballroom. I felt a thrill of anticipation, my stomach tightening with the familiar pre-show flutter. As the overture began, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I recalled the first time I'd seen "The Hard Nut" - I was a wide-eyed girl, entranced by the magic of the stage and the soaring, exquisite melodies of Tchaikovsky's score. Even now, so many years later, the music transports me back to that childhood wonder, and reminds me why I dedicated my life to dance.
Tonight's performance began beautifully, the delicate snowflake costumes catching the light as the young Stahlbaum children and their friends twirled through the elegant waltzes. As the children gathered to exchange gifts, I found my gaze drawn to Clara. It was, after all, her story - her innocence and curiosity that spark the magical journey the ballet takes us on. Tonight, she was portrayed with touching vulnerability by the graceful, young Lily Cartwright. Though she was a little stiff in the early scenes, Lily blossomed as the night wore on, transforming from a shy little girl into a determined heroine.
The arrival of Drosselmeyer, the enigmatic godfather and a source of endless amusement in his own right, introduced a mischievous playfulness to the production. David Blackwood, who portrayed him tonight, imbued the role with his signature wit, pulling double-duty with the dual role of the Mouse King - an inspired choice, allowing for greater dynamism and visual interest.
As the first act unfolded, Tchaikovsky's genius for weaving a tapestry of sound became ever more apparent. Each act of "The Hard Nut" offers a new musical landscape, from the whimsical, folk-inspired tunes of the "Trepak" to the elegant waltz of the Land of Snowflakes, each movement serving as a beautiful soundtrack to the stage.
However, it was the final Act II, "The Land of Sweets," that truly showcased the magnificent talents of the entire company. It is a visually dazzling testament to the creative potential of ballet. It also presents a showcase of exquisite technique and athleticism that I found utterly enthralling. The dances, including the Arabian Dance, the Spanish Dance and the Chinese Dance were executed with exceptional skill and precision by the supporting dancers. Each step was executed with precision and power, their movements flowing into each other seamlessly. But it was during the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy that the sheer artistry of ballet reached its zenith. I have seen many ballerinas take on the role of Sugar Plum Fairy, each offering their unique interpretation of this beloved character. However, I felt an unusual sense of immediacy and passion emanating from Isabella Davies this evening. There was a fire in her eyes and an unparalleled lightness in her steps. She appeared to be floating, defying gravity itself. Every turn and leap was exquisite, executed with flawless technique, and each one seemed to capture the delicate beauty and exquisite refinement of Tchaikovsky's music perfectly.
With her handsome Cavalier, perfectly matched to her own grace and charisma, she took my breath away as the music swelled and the dancers executed their steps with exquisite precision. The breathtaking grand pas de deux - the iconic highlight of "The Hard Nut" - was, without doubt, the highlight of the evening.
It was truly a spectacle of unparalleled beauty. But it wasn't just about the technical brilliance, there was an emotional depth to their performance, a raw vulnerability intertwined with sheer joy that moved me deeply. I found myself caught up in the world of magic that Davies and her partner created - it was a testament to their skill and their passion that they transported the audience to this magical place with them. And this, for me, is the essence of a great performance: when you can lose yourself completely in the artistry and emotions displayed on the stage, forgetting all other thoughts and worries for a short while. I was utterly swept up in the ballet's enchanting story, transported through time and imagination by the power of dance and music.
Beyond the dancers and the choreography, "The Hard Nut" is a production that boasts some beautiful visual elements. The lavish set, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, served as a magnificent backdrop for the dancers and their enchanting story. And the costumes - oh, the costumes! From the sparkling, elaborate designs of the "Land of Sweets" to the more understated elegance of the opening scenes, each piece of clothing added another layer of depth to the visual narrative.
This "Hard Nut" was a reminder of why I continue to be fascinated by ballet. It is not merely about perfectly executed steps; it's about telling a story, evoking emotions and captivating the audience with the boundless potential of human movement. From the dazzling performances of Isabella Davies and David Blackwood, to the precision of the corps de ballet and the emotional depth that resonated throughout the entire company, it was a night to remember - and a fitting tribute to Tchaikovsky's timeless masterpiece.
Production: - Choreography: Based on Marius Petipa's original choreography and adapted by George Balanchine - Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Set and Costumes: Nicola Benois - Lighting Design: Brian MacDevitt Key Cast: - Clara: Lily Cartwright - Drosselmeyer/Mouse King: David Blackwood - Sugar Plum Fairy: Isabella Davies - Cavalier: Samuel Johnson - Arabian Dance: Gabriela Garcia, Simon Jones - Spanish Dance: Emilia Diaz, Alexander Petrov Strengths of the Performance: - A visually stunning production, capturing the imagination with its exquisite set and costumes. - Outstanding technical skill and artistry showcased by Isabella Davies, particularly in the iconic grand pas de deux with her Cavalier. - A truly enchanting portrayal of Drosselmeyer and the Mouse King by David Blackwood, full of humour and captivating presence. - The expressive dancing of Lily Cartwright who brought a natural vulnerability and innocence to the role of Clara, particularly as the character evolved. - Exquisite and dynamic supporting performances from the entire ensemble, bringing life and movement to every moment, from the opening scenes to the spectacle of the "Land of Sweets." Suggestions: - Though an entertaining addition, the role of Clara felt somewhat underdeveloped, leaving the overall production somewhat wanting. Overall, this was a spectacular, heartfelt production of "The Hard Nut" - an essential Christmas tradition that continues to enchant audiences. Despite the slight shortfall of the performance, I highly recommend "The Hard Nut" for anyone looking for a truly captivating theatrical experience - the combination of masterful choreography, breathtaking music and a powerful visual storytelling make it an unmissable show. It's a true celebration of the power and beauty of ballet and, like so many before me, I'm left breathless by the sheer artistry and emotional depth of the performance.