Editorial: What brings audiences back to "The Nutcracker" year after year?

What is it that makes The Nutcracker so enduring? Is it the story? Is it the music? Is it the dancing? Or is it simply a holiday tradition?  Having danced in the show, learned variations in ballet class, and seen multiple productions since my first, at the age of four, I have always wondered what brings people back to the show and how it has turned into a special holiday tradition for so many. In an effort to discover why this ballet continues to be such a popular holiday tradition, I conducted a six question survey at a few local dance studios in addition to polling friends and family on social media. While some answers were expected others surprised me.

The Nutcracker ballet is based on the rather dark story entitled “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman in 1816. A lighter revision written in 1844 by Alexander Dumas, the well-known French author of “The Three Musketeers” is the version that most closely reflects what is now seen on stage. The famous music of the ballet entitled “The Nutcracker Suite” is by composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  The Nutcracker was first produced as a full length ballet at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1892. Since then, companies around the world have made it their own and added it to their repertoire. It is one of the most famous, if not the most famous, ballet in the world. Even if people have not seen a production of it, they have heard the story or know a little about the ballet.

For those readers not too familiar with the ballet, it is the story of a young girl named Clara, or Marie depending on the version being produced, whose family throws a holiday party for their family and friends at their home in Germany on Christmas Eve. The girl receives a special Nutcracker doll and later that night she dreams the Nutcracker comes to life, defeats the Mouse King, travels with her through an enchanted forest of snow to the wondrous Land of Sweets where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. There they enjoy a magical celebration of dances performed by various sweets. Just as choreography may change depending on the company, other details vary within each production. Some change the names of the characters, while others vary the story itself to guide the audience into believing it was all a dream or that the young girl’s adventures did actually occur. Most do, however, continue to spark imagination, the thrill of movement and music, and the belief in holiday magic.

The first question I asked audience members was: What is your favorite part about attending The Nutcracker during the holiday season? The top response was tradition and dancing. Coming in a close second is that the ballet evokes for many that Christmas spirit feeling. Others love getting dressed up, seeing different dancer’s interpretations of the characters and listening to the rich music. Secondly, I asked how many times over the last fifteen years have they attended a production of The Nutcracker. Fifty percent of those surveyed have seen a production between eight and twenty or more times over the past fifteen years. An additional twenty five percent have attended a production between three and seven times. I then asked who they attend the production with and what the age range of the group is. The majority of people attend with family, while many others attend with friends. The age range of audience members attending, based on my survey, is between five years old and all the way up into the nineties.

Snow Scene of Boston Ballet's Nutcracker ©Liza Voll

The fourth question in the survey was: What is your favorite part of act one and why? Over fifty percent of people chose the Snow Scene at the end of act one. They described the scene as relaxing, sparkly, bright, beautiful, magical and powerful; with glorious music and stunning dancing. This scene has always been one of my favorites for all of the reasons described, but also because of its delicateness as the snow falls covering the stage and as the dancers turn and float across it. In addition, the Pas de Deux between the Snow Queen and King is simply mesmerizing to watch. The fun party scene at the opening of the act was a close second. The fifth question asks: What is your favorite part of act 2 and why? These answers were a bit more varied, but the top choice was predictably the Sugar Plum Fairy. This role is often labeled as an ultimate goal for ballerinas participating in a Nutcracker production. This dance was described as pretty, graceful, gorgeous and “such a coveted role that you really paid attention to her”. Other favorites in act two include the fluid Arabian, the powerful Russian, the funny Mother Ginger and the graceful Waltz of the Flowers and Dew Drop. Many audience members had a difficult time choosing just one routine because they enjoyed them all so much.

The sixth and final question was: What is the number one reason you return to The Nutcracker year after year? The top response was “it is a tradition I look forward to every year” and the dancing, of course, was another top reply. One answer that I believe ties them all together is: “To me, The Nutcracker has become a Christmas tradition. It is something that I share with family at the holidays and the show is a beautiful piece of art.” Another response which I received a number of times was, they like to support the performing arts and seeing talented dancers perform, all while spending time with their family during the holidays.

Both professional ballet companies and local dance studios put on yearly productions of The Nutcracker which makes it relatively easy to find a production nearby that fits your budget. Whether you’re a major ballet fan or a ballet neophyte, The Nutcracker is a great introduction into the ballet world; especially for young dancers. It is there they often fall even more in love with the artistry of ballet and their own dreams of dancing in the production begin. So this holiday season, if you’ve never seen a production live or you have a young child dancing around house I encourage you to find a production of The Nutcracker on a stage near you. You may once again believe in the magic of Christmas or even start a new tradition with your family and friends. ©

GEORGE BALANCHINE'S THE NUTCRACKER at The New York City Ballet. Photo © Paul Kolnik

 

"The Santaland Diaries" at Peterborough Players (Peterborough, NH)

Kraig Swartz as "Crumpet". Photo courtesy Will Howell

For over eighty years, Peterborough Players has been presenting professional theatre during the summer months. This year they have added a winter season with three plays taking the stage in December and February. Their inaugural winter season kicks off the holidays with a very entertaining one-man play entitled The Santaland Diaries. Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, it stars Kraig Swartz in the role of Santaland elf: “Crumpet”. Originally written by David Sedaris and adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello, it is the comedic true-life tale of Sedaris’ two-year stint as a Macy’s store elf. In the play, Crumpet recounts to the audience his experience as a Macy’s Santaland elf in the weeks leading up to Christmas. For audience members who have ever worked in retail during the holidays, or even gone to the mall and have witnessed the craziness that ensues, this play will hilariously bring back memories of all the delightful and horrifying aspects of the holiday season.

  

Designed by director Gus Kaikkonen and props designer Jessica Ayala, the simple, yet detailed set includes a Christmas tree, lockers, toys, a big chair and a large video screen that changes pictures depending on the scene. String lights hang above the stage as well as over the gift boxes and stuffed animals. It wasn’t hard to imagine Santaland as Crumpet describes it and tells us stories of his daily encounters.

Kraig Swartz has the wonderful ability to alter his vocalizations and characterizations to shift from playing Crumpet to a nasty Santa, an overbearing parent, a confused foreigner, misbehaving children and many more. He easily engages the audience and draws us into his story from the start. His performance is so realistic that he makes it easy to forget we are in a theatre watching a play. Swartz has spot on comedic timing and facial expressions that perfectly match each of the tales he tells. He delivered a highly enjoyable performance that had the audience chuckling throughout.

With each anecdote we find ourselves laughing because of the inalienable truth behind it. We have witnessed the scenes Crumpet describes, those filled with obnoxious children and intensely pushy parents. While the show is very amusing, it is also incredibly relatable and that’s what makes it a great adult’s night out. When you attend this production you’ll be able to sit back, relax, have a good laugh and maybe even leave the theatre with renewed holiday spirit. © This production is rated PG-13 and is not recommended for children.  The Santaland Diaries plays on the Peterborough Players stage, 55 Hadley Road, Peterborough, NH, until December 17^th. For tickets call the box office at 603-924-7585 or check out www.PeterboroughPlayers.org

Review of “Going To See The Kid” at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (Lowell, MA)

In the opening scene of Steven Drukman’s new play “Going To See The Kid”, Ellis tells the audience that every story needs an angle. What she has yet to decide upon, is what angle her story on Red Sox legend Ted Williams will be. The play takes place in 2001 when Ellis and fellow journalist Simon, both from The Boston Globe, head out on a road trip from Boston to Florida to interview the ailing Ted Williams. The pair couldn’t be more different, and yet as their trip progresses they discover the value of empathy and teamwork.

Joel Colodner and Veronika Duerr. Photo by Meghan Moore

Directed by MRT’s Director of New Play Development, Alexander Greenfield, this cast consists of three MRT audience favorites who each have the natural ability to bring their characters to life in an interesting and believable way that instantly engages the audience. From the start we see their spirit, drive, passions and what makes them tick. All while chuckling at their feisty interactions. Dialect Coach Christine Hamel worked with the actors to authentically use specific accents. Veronika Duerr, as Ellis, spoke with the all too familiar Boston accent; making it clear to the audience her character was born and bred here. Both Joel Colodner and John Gregorio portrayed multiple characters, each with their own specific vocalization and flare. Their main characters of Simon (Colodner) and David (Gregorio) were more refined in their speech, and the way their speech differed from Ellis (Duerr) was intriguing to listen to. Each of them portrayed their characters wonderfully. Ellis was relatable, spunky and exhibited ultimate Red Sox fan passion; especially when relaying stats about her beloved team. Duerr’s portrayal was multilayered and evolved during the play. She wasn’t just a journalist who loved baseball, but also an educated woman trying to be a better wife and daughter. Simon was an older, wiser, more dignified journalist who spoke fervently about the arts and literature. His excitement regarding the Red Sox was more subdued and internal; especially when compared to Ellis. Colodner was polished and portrayed Simon as a wise mentor of sorts. David, Ellis’ husband, joins the pair on the road trip to Florida and is often a buffer when Ellis and Simon don’t see eye to eye; which is most of the time. Watching Gregorio portray David, in addition to a few other secondary characters, was fascinating as each had his own accent and mannerisms that completely separated him from Gregorio’s portrayal of the loving and supportive David.  

Photo Credit: (L-R) Joel Colodner, Veronika Duerr, John Gregorio. Photo by Meghan Moore.

Designed by Jason Sherwood, the set consisted of actual news stories from The Boston Globe printed on plexiglass boxes that were lit with LED lights that changed color depending on the scene. At some points they were all lit up while at other points only a small section was lit while the rest was dark. Lighting Designer    Brian J. Lilienthal was creative in how he used the light to exemplify or hide sections of the set. Both elements complimented each other nicely and were visually appealing. The addition of falling snow in the last scene really added to the holiday aspect of the production. It was enchanting while not distracting or overdone.

Written by lifelong Red Sox fan Steven Drukman, this play is a different kind of holiday show. Its spirit and message of hopefulness and the power of teamwork reminds us there is nothing that can bring people together like the shared love of their favorite sports team. At only ninety minutes this heartwarming comedy is the perfect show to bring your Red Sox loving family and friends to see this holiday season. If opening night of this world premiere is any indication, and considering how fast the audience was on their feet giving the performance a standing ovation, this show will sell fast so don’t wait to get your tickets. © “Going To See The Kid” is on stage at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (50 E. Merrimack St. Lowell, MA) until December 24^th. Tickets range from $70-$26 and there are discounts for seniors, students, military and groups. To purchase tickets or find more information visit www.mrt.org or call 978-654-4678.