Monday, December 01, 2008

The Nutcracker

Yesterday we had the excellent fortune of attending "The Nutcracker" at Lincoln Center.  One of my favorite dances of all times.  I adore the music, the set, the costumes and the dancers who dedicate themselves to dance.  
We awoke to snow falling and it continued to fall in this dance which was magical.
Uncle Drosselmeir is atop the clock casting shadows that frighten poor Maria (or Clara) as I remember from seeing this as a child.  The Christmas tree that grows is also a magic moment.
My favorite scene are these elegant children at the "party scene", making merry mischief.
A dear friend has two sons that are dancing and we were able to see them on stage.  It is a tremendous feat to make the cast of the Nutcracker as well as perform many shows a during the month of December.  I commend the parents who dedicate themselves to providing such and enriching cultural experience in any of the arts.
What are some performances that make your holidays merry and bright?

17 comments:

Arlene said...

We're going to a Nutcracker performance this month. My son has an audio recording of the story, which incorporates the music as well. He loves it and I promised we would go and see it. I like the idea of introducing the story of a ballet to children before they go to actually see it. I also like to attend the city's children's choral for the holiday show. Very festive and so lovely.

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I haven't seen the nutcracker in years, but I remember going with my parnets and family friends every year right before christmas in Pittsburgh as a little kid. Always so magical, especially the growing christmas tree! I still wonder how they do that!!!
Now my yearly tradition here in DC has been to go to the Kennedy Center to see Handel's "Messiah" which I LOVE

pve design said...

The Messiah at Lincoln Center is amazing too - I have gone in years past to the "sing-a-long" one, which is so moving!

Preppy In The City said...

I love the Nutcracker it is one of my favorites. I will be seeing it later this month. I am going to see White Christmas this weekend. I am looking foward to see how one of my favorite movies translates to Broadway.

Karena said...

Handel's Messiah and The Nutcracker are two favorites. Taking my daughter to Nutcrcker was a magical experience.

Kwana said...

Lucky you. I love the Nutcracker.

annechovie said...

Aw, I am jealous! How fun! I love the Nutcracker. How special to know two of the performers. Have a wonderful Monday!

CashmereLibrarian said...

That's lovely. I haven't been to see the Nutcracker in many years--I'll need to make this a priority!

Unknown said...

you do not know how much a I love the Nutcracker. I think it is the reason that every little girl wants to take ballet lessons at somepoint in their life!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Oh, I read about this performance in the Times this morning and thought about the lucky individuals in attendance! And, one of them was you!! How wonderful!

We are fortunate to live in the same city as the great conductor Robert Shaw. He used to do amazing Christmas concerts every year and we were always in the audience. They were a most definite highlight of the season for both of us. Maestro Shaw passed away several years ago, and it just hasn't been the same without him. That's why memories are so valuable!

Joyce said...

Oh I love the Nutcracker I saw it a few years ago in Chicago. It would be nice to see it at the Lincoln center. What a magical night sprinkled with snowflakes! I love it!

Tara said...

Patricia

I have been to this performance and it is so beautiful--you must have had a grand time! Take a hop over to my blog--we were in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! So fun!

Elizabeth said...

Oh Boy! That must have been great.

*Every* scene in "The Nutcracker" is my favorite scene.

N said...

Lately our favorite performances have been my four-year-old on air guitar.

Refined, no...hilarious? Absolutely.

Mary-Laure said...

Can you believe I have never seen the Nutcracker on stage?
Ah, lucky you!

pve design said...

mary-laure,
then you must see it - I think you would love it.
pve

hello gorgeous said...

Love it. Longtime Nutcracker attendee. We used to go in Chicago for years. And the local ballet, whatever. This year we're going to see it in Philly. I've always wanted to see it in NYC.