If the music sounds sweeter than sugarplums, the dancers seem lighter than air, and the snowflakes sparkle more brightly than ever before, you're not dreaming. The 47th annual production of Austin's holiday tradition is sure to be an exceptionally festive feast for the senses. Ballet Austin's production of The Nutcracker is Texas' longest running production of this classic and with a different “celebrity” playing the role of Mother Ginger in each performance, every show guarantees an extra bit of memory-making merriment. Choreography by Stephen Mills Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony Orchestra
December 5, 7:30 pm – Art Acevedo, Chief of Police
December 6, 2:00 pm – Lucy C. Nazro, Head of School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School
December 11, 7:30 pm – Terri Gruca, KVUE
December 12, 7:30 pm – Marc Ott, Austin City Manager
December 13, 2:00 pm – Gail Goestenkors, Head Coach of UT Women’s Basketball
December 18, 7:30 pm – Pam LeBlanc, Fitness Writer Austin American-Statesman
December 19, 2:00 pm – Col. Donald M. MacWillie, Fort Hood Commander of the United States Army Operational Test Command
7:30 pm – Lee Leffingwell, Mayor of Austin
December 20, 2:00 pm – Terri McCormick, Majic 95 DJ
December 21, 7:30 pm – Sara Hickman, Musician
December 22, 7:30 pm – Robert Barnhart, Film Producer
December 23, 2:00 pm – Rich Segal, News 8 Austin Meteorologist
Event Name: The Nutcracker "So-So Performance" Review
posted by:
Stevan Pierce
from Austin, TX,
Dec 10, 2009
I have appreciated past performances of the Nutcracker but this one left me feeling somewhat empty, not very entertaining. The choreography was off in several of the scenes with haphazard...
Expand
I have appreciated past performances of the Nutcracker but this one left me feeling somewhat empty, not very entertaining. The choreography was off in several of the scenes with haphazard resemblances of dance and story. In one scene transition, the use of a cannon that emitted a loud noise startled myself as well as a good portion of the audience; this sidetracked me as I had to orient myself back to the scene and storyline. My last criticism of this performance is the straw that broke the camel’s back, with regards to the low rating. The introduction of Police Chief Art Acevedo into one of the final scenes was humorous. If memory serves correct, the Nutcracker is not a humorous ballet; and, I was not amused.
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Event Name: The Nutcracker "Would not repeat" Review
posted by:
Kscott
from Austin, TX,
Dec 09, 2009
Unfortunately for me, this was my first
Nutcracker experience. I find myself
torn between my criticisms of the ballet
itself versus the performance. But,
after discussing the story of the ballet...
Expand
Unfortunately for me, this was my first
Nutcracker experience. I find myself
torn between my criticisms of the ballet
itself versus the performance. But,
after discussing the story of the ballet
with my girlfriend (who has been in
several performances of the ballet), I
feel like I have gained some perspective
for it. The storyline transitions were
mainly non existent from this
production. This means, if you don't
know the story, you will be unable to
follow the small amount of story line
that exists in it. So, if you are
someone like me that thought you might
pop into it and learn what the whole
Nutcracker experience is about, you will
end up disappointed and pretty jaded.
My girlfriend assures me that, normally,
these transitions do exist. But even
so, for those of us used to more
interesting and sophisticated
entertainment, this is one of the worst
ballets to see. I found myself entirely
bored for most of the show. However, I
enjoyed the children.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "First time to see Nutcracker Ballet" Review
posted by:
Tanya Phillips
from Austin TEXAS, USA,
Dec 09, 2009
It was a really perfect night, we left early, there was plenty of parking in the big garage. Since we arrived about 45 min. before showtime, we were invited in to a pre-performance talk where they...
Expand
It was a really perfect night, we left early, there was plenty of parking in the big garage. Since we arrived about 45 min. before showtime, we were invited in to a pre-performance talk where they told us the story line and history of the ballet and music, etc. Very helpful! We had GREAT SEATS in the floor section AND I had some binoculars for close up views, too. All the little kids parts were so cute! They did a really good job of communicating the storyline (without words)and we were able to follow the flow. The costumes were fabulous, so beautiful! The choreography and dancing were superb!!! The orchestra was fantastic, easy to hear and I knew lots of the songs. My favorite part was watching the ballerinas on point! The funniest part was the celebrity spot with the police chief, he was a riot! All in all a great night! Thanks!
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Event Name: The Nutcracker "Really good school performance" Review
posted by:
Know Information
from Austin, TX,
Dec 08, 2009
I enjoyed my evening of the Nutcracker
on Opening Night. Chief Acevedo and all
the wee ones really stole the second
Act.
Now the areas that could use
improvement:
The lighting was poor,...
Expand
I enjoyed my evening of the Nutcracker
on Opening Night. Chief Acevedo and all
the wee ones really stole the second
Act.
Now the areas that could use
improvement:
The lighting was poor, especially in the
first act, as every time a girl was
lifted, she was in the dark from the
shoulders down, and motion lights are
unnecessary at a ballet, period.
I wish that the men were given stronger
choreography, as they simply looked like
they were there to help the women spin.
For a school performance however, this
is a show to go see. I especially
enjoyed watching the wee ones so
committed to the performance. They
should have been allowed to bow at the
end.
Don't expect Barishnikov, but have
fun. You may end up signing up for
classes yourself.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "It's a Tradition!" Review
posted by:
Rata Rey
from Austin, TX USA,
Dec 07, 2009
Classical ballet is well outside my comfort zone, though I've seen several performances of classical and non-classical dance. I've seen "The Nutcracker" about three times now. Saturday's performance...
Expand
Classical ballet is well outside my comfort zone, though I've seen several performances of classical and non-classical dance. I've seen "The Nutcracker" about three times now. Saturday's performance fulfilled the requirement that this "old warhorse" be dragged out annually. Austin Ballet's presentation included several lovely moments. I greatly enjoyed the Pas de Deux: Adagio and Variations by the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, the Chinese Dance, and (I believe) the Russian Dance. However, this reviewer found little magic in either the staging or much of the dance. On occasion, the noisy footwork of the corps de ballet recalled the more comedic moments of "Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo" performances. And though their collective parents were certainly thrilled, I found the cute Angels annoyingly distracting.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "Well-Danced Nutcracker, Adequate Beauty" Review
posted by:
JMac
from Austin, TX,
Dec 06, 2009
There were three major highlights for our family at the Nutcracker last night.
1. The snowfall during the Snow Queen performance lasted just about as long as the Austin 09 snow and looked exactly the...
Expand
There were three major highlights for our family at the Nutcracker last night.
1. The snowfall during the Snow Queen performance lasted just about as long as the Austin 09 snow and looked exactly the same.
2. The mechanical doll performers were amazing, and the color of their costumes were electric.
3. Art Acevedo, Austin's Chief of Police, played the honorary role of Mother Ginger, and he was hilarious.
My 7 year-old daughter said the Egyptian dancer was her favorite because she sparkled and did fancy moves.
My 9 year-old son also liked the Egyptian performance, "Because you could see both dancer's muscles while they were dancing."
Overall the night was a hit.
I would've enjoyed the orchestra being a little more enthusiastic and loud. I wanted to reach for the volume several times.
And the Long Center's heating system was working quite well. How such a huge beautiful space got stuffy is a mystery.
We had a great time: an Austin Christmas family tradition.
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Event Name: The Nutcracker "Toe shoes and Tutus" Review
posted by:
Charla Hathaway
from Austin,
Dec 05, 2009
It's what you'd expect from the Nutcracker put on in
an art loving town--predictable beauty and grace,
flowing costumes, great sets, wonderful dancers,
and a stilted story--but who cares. I loved...
Expand
It's what you'd expect from the Nutcracker put on in
an art loving town--predictable beauty and grace,
flowing costumes, great sets, wonderful dancers,
and a stilted story--but who cares. I loved seeing
so many kids in the audience, though even for me it was a long night. Tchaikovsky's music with the dreamy harp really supports the magic of the dream world on
stage. My favorite image I take away is the snow falling on
the dancers swirling in white chiffon dresses. The
sultry Arabian couple were outstanding.
It's not the beating pulse of a Cirque du Soliel, or
the unexpected, androgynous twists of modern
dance night that spin your world a new way. It's a
nostalgic look to the past, where men twirl the girls
and the stage is balanced, story known. Yet, it's
satisfying and the dancers are great. Check out the Austin skyline from the lobby at intermission and you'll top off your evening.
Collapse
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Event Name: The Nutcracker "So-So Performance" Review
posted by:
Stevan Pierce
from Austin, TX,
Dec 10, 2009
I have appreciated past performances of the Nutcracker but this one left me feeling somewhat empty, not very entertaining. The choreography was off in several of the scenes with haphazard...
Expand
I have appreciated past performances of the Nutcracker but this one left me feeling somewhat empty, not very entertaining. The choreography was off in several of the scenes with haphazard resemblances of dance and story. In one scene transition, the use of a cannon that emitted a loud noise startled myself as well as a good portion of the audience; this sidetracked me as I had to orient myself back to the scene and storyline. My last criticism of this performance is the straw that broke the camel’s back, with regards to the low rating. The introduction of Police Chief Art Acevedo into one of the final scenes was humorous. If memory serves correct, the Nutcracker is not a humorous ballet; and, I was not amused.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "Would not repeat" Review
posted by:
Kscott
from Austin, TX,
Dec 09, 2009
Unfortunately for me, this was my first
Nutcracker experience. I find myself
torn between my criticisms of the ballet
itself versus the performance. But,
after discussing the story of the ballet...
Expand
Unfortunately for me, this was my first
Nutcracker experience. I find myself
torn between my criticisms of the ballet
itself versus the performance. But,
after discussing the story of the ballet
with my girlfriend (who has been in
several performances of the ballet), I
feel like I have gained some perspective
for it. The storyline transitions were
mainly non existent from this
production. This means, if you don't
know the story, you will be unable to
follow the small amount of story line
that exists in it. So, if you are
someone like me that thought you might
pop into it and learn what the whole
Nutcracker experience is about, you will
end up disappointed and pretty jaded.
My girlfriend assures me that, normally,
these transitions do exist. But even
so, for those of us used to more
interesting and sophisticated
entertainment, this is one of the worst
ballets to see. I found myself entirely
bored for most of the show. However, I
enjoyed the children.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "First time to see Nutcracker Ballet" Review
posted by:
Tanya Phillips
from Austin TEXAS, USA,
Dec 09, 2009
It was a really perfect night, we left early, there was plenty of parking in the big garage. Since we arrived about 45 min. before showtime, we were invited in to a pre-performance talk where they...
Expand
It was a really perfect night, we left early, there was plenty of parking in the big garage. Since we arrived about 45 min. before showtime, we were invited in to a pre-performance talk where they told us the story line and history of the ballet and music, etc. Very helpful! We had GREAT SEATS in the floor section AND I had some binoculars for close up views, too. All the little kids parts were so cute! They did a really good job of communicating the storyline (without words)and we were able to follow the flow. The costumes were fabulous, so beautiful! The choreography and dancing were superb!!! The orchestra was fantastic, easy to hear and I knew lots of the songs. My favorite part was watching the ballerinas on point! The funniest part was the celebrity spot with the police chief, he was a riot! All in all a great night! Thanks!
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "Really good school performance" Review
posted by:
Know Information
from Austin, TX,
Dec 08, 2009
I enjoyed my evening of the Nutcracker
on Opening Night. Chief Acevedo and all
the wee ones really stole the second
Act.
Now the areas that could use
improvement:
The lighting was poor,...
Expand
I enjoyed my evening of the Nutcracker
on Opening Night. Chief Acevedo and all
the wee ones really stole the second
Act.
Now the areas that could use
improvement:
The lighting was poor, especially in the
first act, as every time a girl was
lifted, she was in the dark from the
shoulders down, and motion lights are
unnecessary at a ballet, period.
I wish that the men were given stronger
choreography, as they simply looked like
they were there to help the women spin.
For a school performance however, this
is a show to go see. I especially
enjoyed watching the wee ones so
committed to the performance. They
should have been allowed to bow at the
end.
Don't expect Barishnikov, but have
fun. You may end up signing up for
classes yourself.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "It's a Tradition!" Review
posted by:
Rata Rey
from Austin, TX USA,
Dec 07, 2009
Classical ballet is well outside my comfort zone, though I've seen several performances of classical and non-classical dance. I've seen "The Nutcracker" about three times now. Saturday's performance...
Expand
Classical ballet is well outside my comfort zone, though I've seen several performances of classical and non-classical dance. I've seen "The Nutcracker" about three times now. Saturday's performance fulfilled the requirement that this "old warhorse" be dragged out annually. Austin Ballet's presentation included several lovely moments. I greatly enjoyed the Pas de Deux: Adagio and Variations by the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, the Chinese Dance, and (I believe) the Russian Dance. However, this reviewer found little magic in either the staging or much of the dance. On occasion, the noisy footwork of the corps de ballet recalled the more comedic moments of "Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo" performances. And though their collective parents were certainly thrilled, I found the cute Angels annoyingly distracting.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "Well-Danced Nutcracker, Adequate Beauty" Review
posted by:
JMac
from Austin, TX,
Dec 06, 2009
There were three major highlights for our family at the Nutcracker last night.
1. The snowfall during the Snow Queen performance lasted just about as long as the Austin 09 snow and looked exactly the...
Expand
There were three major highlights for our family at the Nutcracker last night.
1. The snowfall during the Snow Queen performance lasted just about as long as the Austin 09 snow and looked exactly the same.
2. The mechanical doll performers were amazing, and the color of their costumes were electric.
3. Art Acevedo, Austin's Chief of Police, played the honorary role of Mother Ginger, and he was hilarious.
My 7 year-old daughter said the Egyptian dancer was her favorite because she sparkled and did fancy moves.
My 9 year-old son also liked the Egyptian performance, "Because you could see both dancer's muscles while they were dancing."
Overall the night was a hit.
I would've enjoyed the orchestra being a little more enthusiastic and loud. I wanted to reach for the volume several times.
And the Long Center's heating system was working quite well. How such a huge beautiful space got stuffy is a mystery.
We had a great time: an Austin Christmas family tradition.
Collapse
Event Name: The Nutcracker "Toe shoes and Tutus" Review
posted by:
Charla Hathaway
from Austin,
Dec 05, 2009
It's what you'd expect from the Nutcracker put on in
an art loving town--predictable beauty and grace,
flowing costumes, great sets, wonderful dancers,
and a stilted story--but who cares. I loved...
Expand
It's what you'd expect from the Nutcracker put on in
an art loving town--predictable beauty and grace,
flowing costumes, great sets, wonderful dancers,
and a stilted story--but who cares. I loved seeing
so many kids in the audience, though even for me it was a long night. Tchaikovsky's music with the dreamy harp really supports the magic of the dream world on
stage. My favorite image I take away is the snow falling on
the dancers swirling in white chiffon dresses. The
sultry Arabian couple were outstanding.
It's not the beating pulse of a Cirque du Soliel, or
the unexpected, androgynous twists of modern
dance night that spin your world a new way. It's a
nostalgic look to the past, where men twirl the girls
and the stage is balanced, story known. Yet, it's
satisfying and the dancers are great. Check out the Austin skyline from the lobby at intermission and you'll top off your evening.
Collapse
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