In a modern focus, the staging is technologically inspired and awe-inspiring, especially with the Christmas tree and the dance performances.
Christmas Eve with my brother Charles Chareunsy and our family in town from Spokane our sister Michelle Harmon, niece and University of Washington freshman Anya Kay Harmon and nephew and North Central High School freshman Shawn Thomas Harmon:
The new “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker” by Nevada Ballet Theatre at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Symphony Park in Downtown Las Vegas. (Say this fast 10 times! Phew!)
I’ve seen “The Nutcracker” by NBT in Las Vegas many times since moving to Las Vegas in 2008, each time with either Charles or Anya – or both. The previous iteration of “The Nutcracker” ran for more than a decade, so I was curious to see the new multimillion-dollar production by a new director.
The matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve with my visiting family is now another special holiday memory.
I miss the life-size, three-story dollhouse – it was stunning. How could you not be impressed? I miss the classical ballet focus. Call me old-fashioned because, well, I am old-fashioned, and I enjoy Old Fashioned cocktails. And I miss the classic storytelling, the fairy tale that weaves together “The Nutcracker.”
With “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” the storytelling and narration are barely there, but I really enjoyed the new choreography – it is front and center. The costumes are absolutely beautiful and colorful and take center stage, as well. They’re well-designed and -tailored, whimsical and gorgeous.
And in a very modern focus, the staging is technologically inspired and awe-inspiring, especially with the Christmas tree and the dance performances for Maria (replacing Clara) and her Nutcracker Prince (in blue instead of red). Classical or more modern, “The Nutcracker” remains a feast for the eyes and ears for the entire family.
Five performances remain though Dec. 28: 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!
