The Philadelphia Ballet is captivating audiences this holiday season with performances of George Balanchine’s iconic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” running until December 31, 2023. The production, held at the historic Academy of Music, features a blend of professional dancers and talented students from the ballet school, showcasing the enchanting story beloved by many.
Artistic Director Angel Corella describes “The Nutcracker” as “a beautiful fairy tale” that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Corella emphasizes the joy of bringing this classic tale to life, stating, “We love doing it.” The performances involve around 80 dancers of various ages, with the first act primarily focusing on the children’s roles. Corella notes the rewarding journey of these young dancers as they progress to principal roles within the company.
The story follows young Marie, who receives a magical nutcracker from her Uncle Drosselmeyer during a festive family gathering. Despite a mishap when her brother, Fritz, breaks the nutcracker, Marie’s uncle fixes it, allowing her to dream of a fantastical adventure. As Marie falls asleep, she awakens to a magical world filled with oversized figures and an army of mice, led by the fearsome Mouse King. In a dramatic twist, the Nutcracker comes to life to defend Marie and ultimately vanquishes the Mouse King.
As the narrative unfolds, Marie and the Nutcracker travel through a snowy forest, a scene that Corella describes as “most people’s favorite.” He finds the imagery to be “so beautiful and pure that it’s quite touching,” capturing the essence of the holidays. Their journey leads them to the Land of Sweets, where they are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, who perform in celebration of their adventure.
The second act showcases the professional company, with stunning choreography that represents various countries through the characters of candy, all set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s memorable score. Corella highlights the visual splendor of the production, saying, “The sets, the costumes, the dancing are so spectacular.”
With its rich storytelling and breathtaking performances, “The Nutcracker” continues to be a cherished holiday tradition in Philadelphia. Corella concludes, “It’s a holiday tradition not to be missed.”
For those wishing to experience this magical ballet, performances are available through December 31 at the Academy of Music, located at 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Tickets and additional information can be found on the Philadelphia Ballet’s official website.
