The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO
November 24 - December 24, 2012

After seeing The Nutcracker for the first time last December, I was looking forward to seeing it again this year. Truthfully, not much has changed, and that is fine. Some traditions just don't need to change.

Since The Nutcracker is a relatively new tradition for me, there is plenty I did not remember. The party scene is long but keeps your attention as you wait for the main event - the transformation of the Nutcracker into a prince.

The majority of the dances in Act Two are representative of holiday treats and exotic cultures. They remain delightful. The costumes and choreography are entertaining in themselves. The Sugar Plum Fairy's series of dances are the highlight, but the familiar music is what we're really there for.

The humorous moments aren't what this show is known for, but they are memorable. The over dramatic Rat King brings laughs to what could be a tense scene. The appearance of Mother Ginger breaks up a long series of dances with some much needed relief.

 The ballet isn't perfect, but it's pretty close. That must be why so many attend every year at this time.