The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker
Colorado Ballet
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO 
November 24 - December 24, 2018

The Nutcracker has become an annual tradition for many families in the Denver area. The Colorado Ballet production sells out year after year. For good reason.

Colorado Ballet again managed to balance the traditional elegance of their performances with a few changes just to make things interesting. The comedic touches were enjoyable. The Mouse King's death varies from year to year, but it managed to be funny as well. Mother Ginger had her usual homage to modern dances which always entertain. Some the the background action was quite enjoyable - even though most audiences missed it.

The costumes were stunning, as usual. The traditional garments of the sweets and flowers were a beautiful accompaniment to a new Sugar Plum Fairy ensemble.

The Colorado Ballet production is a prime example of why audiences return year after year. The charm never gets old for the beautiful music and dancing. The attention to detail brings the magic to life whether you'e seen it every year or if this was the first time.

A Colorado Christmas

A Colorado Christmas
Colorado Symphony
Boettcher Concert Hall
Denver, CO
December 14-16, 2018

A Colorado Christmas is a holiday tradition at the Colorado Symphony. It’s a concert with a sampling of music that will satisfy every taste. Even though it is an annual event, the lineup of songs changed significantly from last year.

This year’s selections were less familiar than previous years. They included “Ceremony of Carols,” “Hodie Christmas” and “A Christmas Festival.”

Soloist Devin DeSantis led the audience in a sing along of more famous songs and performed the essential selections by Irving Berlin. And right before intermission was “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” performed by the Colorado Children’s Choral joined by Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Always a favorite were the selections from Too Hot to Handel. The Hallelujah Chorus created a joyful moment in the show. And it wouldn’t be complete without “Sleigh Ride” where the audience actually got to see all the musical special effects.

As always, A Colorado Christmas provided the musical backdrop for the holiday season. It was a wonderful way for families to celebrate and expose their children to classical music.

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood
Boulder Opera
Nomad Playhouse
Boulder Colorado
December 8-9, 2018

Every December, Boulder Opera presents a short opera designed for young audiences. It is a wonderful opportunity to expose young children to opera without losing their attention. This year’s performance was Little Red Riding Hood.

Before the show was a short introduction to opera terms, including a lesson in Bravo, Brava and Bravi. It set the stage for a first opera experience.

The set of the show was wildly creative. The entire stage was covered with artificial grass with flowers near the edge. A small house was nestled in one corner.

Little Red was pretty and exuberant. She easily engaged the audience. The Wolf, on the other hand, was charming and obviously up to no good. His baritone was deliciously dark in tone. A group of children played the woodsmen. Some were more talented than others, but they played their roles well.

Midway through the show was another instruction session. That took away from the momentum of the show. Especially considering there was a question and answer session afterwards as well.

The intimate Nomad Playhouse was an ideal place for this show. The only issue was at the end during he cast meet and greet in the tiny lobby. But the performers stayed around until every child had a chance to speak with their favorite character.