Long Beach Ballet Tickets
Long Beach Ballet Tickets
When it comes to Christmas, everyone likes nostalgic touchstones like the holiday season movies and shows, all-time favorite carols and of course, The Nutcracker. A music-soaring, costume-terrific spectacle, The Nutcracker has been around for more than 100 years. Dance companies all over the country celebrate this Christmas tradition, bringing in variations to keep the classic fresh and exciting. The Long Beach Ballet is bringing the 34th annual production of The Nutcracker with a full symphony orchestra. With Long Beach Ballet tickets in hand enjoy Tchaikovsky’s memorable score and stunning choreography.
The Nutcracker Celebrates 34 Years with the Long Beach Ballet
Two years after the Long Beach Ballet started its run, director David Wilcox was given the opportunity to present a new production of The Nutcracker. A visionary, Wilcox went all out to give this century’s old tale a sensational look and feel which has attracted even the ballet haters. Fresh from the success of the “Hansel and Gretel” in which Wilcox’s choreography was appreciated a lot, he set about the task of creating a theatrical extravaganza that became one of the best productions of The Nutcracker.
David Wilcox’s version of The Nutcracker is a grand spectacle that’s not just traditional ballet but also a performance with impressive pyrotechnics and stage shenanigans. Raising its curtains in 1983, the show featured special performances, guest appearances and some surprises. Long Beach Ballet continues with this tradition and currently in its 34th year, still carries Wilcox’s vision of an extravagant production.
With the help of former Disney designers Scott Schaffer and Elliot Hessayon, Wilcox created enchanting scenery. The latest production features upgraded special effects by the illusionist Franz Harary. An example of this is the much appreciated Christmas package that helps in the fluid transition of the nutcracker doll into the prince. In the previous productions, this package was pulled onto the stage by the performers in a choreographed routine. The 2016-17 version has the package floating above the stage, turning 360 degrees before transforming into the prince.
The Long Beach Ballet version is quite heavy on special effects, like the use of on-stage pyrotechnics, a flying sleigh, and explosions during the battle scene. It uses a real horse as well. Long Beach Ballet tickets holders can expect to be treated to theatrical wizardry that features one of the best Christmas stories ever.
The Story of Clara
The straightforward yet exciting story of The Nutcracker makes it a huge hit with the entire family. Young Clara is given a toy nutcracker on Christmas by her favorite magician uncle and when midnight strikes, the nutcracker comes to life. Of course it’s all in Clara’s dream that the nutcracker takes her into the world of fantasy where there’s this famous fight with the Mouse King and his army, the magical ride into the kingdom of sweets and a visit by the sugarplum fairy.
The second act highlights the culture of different countries and through choreographed routines, various dance forms are presented. The Spanish dance sequence is presented with a lot of flair and the Arabian act is full of powerful, acrobatic performances. The Chinese dance form features colorful costumes, traditional routines and an extravagant celebration of the holidays. The dancers give it their all, taking the stage with grace, entertaining through variations and treating the audience to exciting performances.
Reasons to Watch The Nutcracker Again and Again…and Again
Performed every year by numerous dance companies, it’s quite easy to give this holiday classic a miss. But sitting in the dark and watching the curtain rise on the famous Christmas party scene at the Stahlbaum house, the clichéd show gives way to childlike wonder. Here’s why fans return again and again to watch The Nutcracker.
Comedy – Yes, The Nutcracker packs quite a comedic punch. The first act includes entertaining scenes of Clara’s tipsy grandmother and the younger lot in the audience find it quite amusing when Clara’s brother is spanked. There are funny scenes in the second act as well, especially when Mother Ginger’s children hide in her skirt.
Music – The heart and soul of this ballet is Tchaikovsky’s music score. From upbeat numbers to classical tunes, the audience enjoys an array of holiday tunes. Even after all these years, the music of The Nutcracker hasn’t lost its charm and gets everyone in high spirits.
Tradition – For most people watching The Nutcracker in the holiday season is akin to decorating a Christmas tree, singing carols and having a family dinner. Generations return to theaters to watch this timeless classic and get into the heartwarming holiday spirit.