Review: GEORGE BALANCHINE’S THE NUTCRACKER® at Kennedy Center

Philadelphia Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® brought a cheery welcome to the holiday season with its premiere on Thanksgiving eve at The Kennedy Center. This beloved production from 1954 helped popularize Tchaikovsky’s score and made The Nutcracker into a Christmas tradition for ballet companies around the world. 

Under the direction of former ABT star dancer Angel Corella, Philadelphia Ballet is focused on full-length ballets primarily from contemporary choreographers but with strong ties to Balanchine’s works. The company’s plucky dancers seem to genuinely enjoy themselves onstage, down to the youngest party guest and angel, appearing courtesy of the School of Philadelphia Ballet (and the students' parents). 

The live music by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, conducted by Philadelphia Ballet’s Music Director Beatrice Jona Affron, added sparkle and wit to the evening. While their brisk, andante tempo was, at times, too fast for the dancers, especially during the opening party dances, it helped to move the sometimes-dull story along. 

The standout stars of Wednesday’s performances were Sydney Dolan as the Sugarplum Fairy, Nayara Lopes as Dewdrop and of course the Christmas tree in Marie’s living room, which grows before our eyes. Veteran dancer Charles Askegard’s Herr Drosselmeier was also captivating with his subtle menace mixed with kindness and delight in children, and Oksana Maslova in the Coffee variation brought mystery to a role that too often is played as sexy. 
The children, notably Cailyn Talley as Marie/The Little Princess, brought a sense of wonder to the stage. Presents are amazing, as are sweets, pretty clothes and sparkling lights all around. While I am far too jaded and old to be spellbound by delight, the infectious magic of The Nutcracker is impossible to resist. Put your party dress on and enjoy through Sunday evening.

Run time: Two hours with one intermission. 

Photo Credits: Sterling Baca and Sydney Dolan of Philadelphia Ballet in "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®," choreography by George Balanchine, The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev. Isabella DeBiasio of the School of Philadelphia Ballet in "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®," choreography by George Balanchine, The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev.

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