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| - I am writing this review specifically for the 2011 production of "The Nutcracker." Let me begin by saying that I love ballet. I have seen probably 50 ballets in my lifetime. Most of them in Pittsburgh, some in New York, a few in Vienna. I adore watching the movement, how these beautiful, hard-working people appear to glide on air... mostly because I trip steps and leave high heels stuck in streets (true).
This year's Nutcracker was... bad. And I hate saying that. Why so bad?
Here. I'll do the "compliment sandwich."
GOOD: This adaptation of Tchaikovsky's Christmas classic is set in late 19th-century Pittsburgh. It's charming to see elements of Pittsburgh history. Toys magically step out of Kauffman's Christmas catalog. A Heinz truck pulls up in front of the family's Shadyside mansion. One can see the beautiful snow-covered confluence from atop Mount Washington. This was all really nice and gave personal home-y touches to the production.
BAD: The director took such dramatic liberties with the show that at some points, the ONLY thought that came to mind was "cluster...." you know the rest. I took boy with me, who had never seen a ballet. The only "Nutcracker" he had ever seen was the Macaulay Culkin version. He too, had no clue what was going on.
Essentially, after leaving "Marie's" house and the first act, there is no sense of direction whatsoever. In Tchaikovsky's ballet, the Sugar Plum fairy rules over the Land of Sweets. There, Russian Candy Canes, Chinese Teas, Danish Marzipan, and Arabian Coffee live and dance for Marie and her new wooden boyfriend. The PBT's version of Act II is reminicient of Pinnochio's "Pleasure Island". One has no real idea that the dancers are supposed to be sweets, or why they are dancing for the visiting pair. At one point, the Sugar Plum Fairy gave Marie a tiara as thanks for helping the Nutcracker defeat the Rat King. But there was so much going on, I barely realized this happened! The director added random butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds... further crowding the strange. From what I understand, this was to incorporate junior ballet students. Frankly, I just found it distracting.
GOOD: Drosselmeyer's magic tricks were neat. He was mysterious and sassy... perfect for the role. Also, the dorky 90's dance moves performed by grandfather were hilarious. That being said, I don't mind "livening" up a ballet. The Nutctracker is a child-friendly show and little touches like this are perfect. The general set design was also beautiful. But it doesn't make up for the confusion forced upon the audience by overcasting and strange adaptation.
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