Pacific Northwest Ballet corps de ballet dancer Andrew Bartee as the Nutcracker in the fight scene from PNB's Stowell/Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling
What puts me in the “holiday spirit”? Well, stuffing myself with turkey doesn’t do it. Neither does fighting my way through the crowds on Black Friday. No, what really puts me in the holiday mood is a trip to Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall to watch Pacific Northwest Ballet perform its lively Stowell/Sendak production of ‘Nutcracker’.
No matter how many times I’ve seen it, this perennial favorite never ceases to thrill, delight and amaze me. With sets designed by Maurice Sendak and elaborate props featuring a “growing” Christmas tree, a gigantic Mouse King with sinister tail encircling the stage, to a golden boat sailing along the ocean blue, it’s easy to see why Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker is ranked as one of the most beloved productions among its “nutty” peers.
Maria Chapman and Seth Orza shined in the starring roles of Clara and her handsome Nutcracker Prince. Their final pas de deux was the fuel of dreams – effortless lifts, dazzling smiles and spot-on technique. Together they brought this storybook fantasy adventure to life and carried it all the way through. I even detected a few weeping patrons at the end of Act 2, following Chapman’s tearful exit. (That’s when you know you’ve struck that golden chord of connection with your audience! Bravo!)
Lesley Rauch’s interpretation of the Peacock was everything one could hope for – sensuous and beguiling, with a whisper of sadness in her colorful wings. Is she a prisoner? Does she want to escape? Or is she secretly content with her golden confines? If you can make me feel all that, then as far as I’m concerned, you’ve embodied the role of Peacock!
Snow on stage! Pacific Northwest Ballet dancers in the Kent Stowell/Maurice Sendak Nutcracker. Photo © Angela Sterling
Gorgeous port de bras and swirling tutus made many a young girl gasp during the Waltz of the Flowers with Carrie Imler as “Flora”. What I love most about Imler is her innate sense of timing and control. She can go from lightening “quick-quick” turns into a deliberately slow “melt” on.a.dime! She’s amazing, folks. Truly amazing.
Whirling dervishes Jerome Tisserand, Kyle Davis and Ezra Thomson made the little boys in the audience sit up and pay attention. Their electrifying leaps, turns and jumps were perfectly executed and received a boisterous round of applause.
And speaking of children, it just wouldn’t be right NOT to mention the talent and dedication of the Pacific Northwest Ballet school students. Their roles ranged from adorable to breathtaking – from the sweet young Clara and her friendly party guests (with bouncy ringlets and big smiles for the girls and plenty of spirited hijinks from the boys), to the battling soldiers engaged in a fierce war with the creepy giant Mouse King, from the Chinese Tiger’s exotic attendants to the charming Toy Theatre dancers. I think it’s great to see the school students perform; they not only bring a fresh layer of excitement to the production, but they also inspire the youngest audience members in a way that polished adults cannot.
Awesome sets, gorgeous costumes, spirited dancing, whirling snowflakes and that famous musical score – I can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season!
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker runs through December 27th. Great seats are still available! Visit PNB.org for more information.
Gentle and graceful, teasing and elusive, the Aurora Borealis is nature’s most dazzling display of perfection. The Aurora Borealis calls out to the explorers, dreamers, and star-gazers each evening, gently drawing them near for her private performance. As she streaks across the heavens in a powerful fusion of color, wind and light, her admirers are rendered speechless–captivated and awestruck by the beauty which is hers alone. This is the admiration she longs for; this is what brings her life meaning.
July 14th, 2010 marked the 100th anniversary of Marius Petipa’s death. Petipa is considered to be ”the father of Russian ballet” and one of the most influential choreographers in history. His most famous works include the beloved Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty. 
