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Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker
Conceived and Directed by Robert Joffrey
Produced by Joffrey Ballet – Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director
At The Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL
Tickets: 312-902-1500, $25-$125
Wed-Sat at 7:00, Sat-Sun at 2:00 (no performance 12/13 or 12/19, additional 2:00 matinee 12/20, additional 7:00 evening performance 12/23)
Running time is 2 hours with intermission
Through December 30th
Joffrey’s Nutcracker is a Chicago Tradition
The 20th anniversary presentation of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker is now playing at the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University. It has become a staple of the holiday season in Chicago with good reason. It is a beautifully choreographed show that is a delight to young and old with colorful costumes, fantastic sets and a superb orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s familiar music.
There are many versions of The Nutcracker story. Joffrey’s is based on a 1940 version from the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo that traced its roots back to the earliest productions of the ballet. Most of you know the story in some form: the Stahlbaum family is hosting a large Christmas Eve party at their mansion when a mysterious godfather appears with his nephew in tow and magical gifts for all of the children. The ballet features dolls and puppets from around the world who come to life and provide the characters who take the audience through a child’s Christmas dream in the land of snow and the kingdom of sweets. If it matters to you whether or not the dream is true or whether Clara the young protagonist gets to wander off with the Nutcracker cum handsome prince who may or may not be godfather Drosselmeyer’s nephew, you will probably have some issues with Joffrey’s version. Some of these plot elements are a bit vague. On the other hand, if you love Tchaikovsky’s music as I do and are thrilled by elegant choreography and beautiful sets, you will absolutely love this show.
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Valerie Robin in the role of Sugar Plum Fairy and Fabrice Calmels in the role of Nutcracker Prince deliver stunning performances. There are so many wonderful moments in the show that it is impossible to credit all of the deserving dancers. Two of my favorites are Thomas Nicholas and Emily Patterson as the Arabian coffee in the kingdom of sweets and special mention must be given to the wonderful children from the Arpino Apprentices. In total there are over 40 company artists in the show and every one of them is top notch in the eyes of this reviewer. The sets and costumes are magically colorful and the whole production is absolutely seamless from the enormous Christmas tree that springs from the living room to the enchanting giant Mother Ginger (played for the 20th consecutive year by Francis Kane). The Chicago Sinfonietta under the baton of Leslie B. Dunner is the cherry on top of this holiday sundae. Their performance of Tchaikovsky’s famous music is perfect and Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker is the perfect holiday show.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Randy Hardwick
randyontheglobe@yahoo.com for comments
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2007
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