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Feb.27,2005 -Mar.6,2005 |
A Christmas Classic
James Kudelka's Nutcracker challenges the National Ballet
By Sarah B. Hood
Originally Published: 2003-12-14
If you were asked to name an official author for the Christmas season, you'd probably have to say Charles Dickens, whose A Christmas Carol is the most adapted tale in stage productions, movie theatres and television shows every December. And if you were asked to name an official composer, it would have to be Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky, whose Nutcracker serves as the background music for practically every department store Santa and Christmas TV commercial.
However, if you want to experience the beloved ballet as it was meant to be performed, in a rich and sumptuous production with lavish costumes, full orchestration and inspired choreography, Torontonians have but to turn up at the Hummingbird Centre for the National Ballet's reprise of James Kudelka's full-blown staging.
The Nutcracker is the most accessible ballet for newcomers to the dance world. All the music is familiar; the story is simple and enchanting even for youngsters, and most productions add a few surprises to make the experience even more welcoming to children and people who aren't used to ballet. For instance, 45 minutes before every single performance, ticket holders can participate in a lively storytelling performance of the ballet in the lower lounge of the theatre. Also, in the time-honoured tradition of inviting local celebrities from outside the dance world to make cameo appearances in the ballet, Ontario Finance Minister Greg Sorbara will appear as a Cannon Doll at the opening matinee.
For those who enjoy sheer spectacle, "It's a very, very opulent production; I think it is one of the best, one of the most opulent, in the world," says National Ballet Principal Dancer Aleksandar Antonijevic, who has seen and danced in a number of other versions.
Antonijevic is reprising the lead role of Peter/Nutcracker four times over the production's rather long run. Four other dancers will also play the role, including the exuberant young Guillaume Côté. Perhaps ironically, Antonijevic points out, the easiest production for audiences is actually one of the most demanding for the company.
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