NYCB Nutcracker 12/17

Chek-hov another fine Nutcracker performance at New York City Ballet where the drama of our time swirls invisibly around us propelled by every clearing of the throat, indeed every breath. The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall have now gone down like dominoes. MJ can't beat it. Moulin Rouge has gone noir. NYCB dances on.

But for how long, we must ask. Answer: Until they finish the last damn step. Make no mistake - this is a race against time.

Last night our Dewdrop Isabella LaFreniere made that clear with a huge performance charged with high energy and a determination to pack the most into every last count. All of those tricky relevé turn combinations were as solid as could be -- if we had more time, we would ask for eight more counts of each. But we're in a race to the finish line.

Ashley Laracey as the Sugarplum Fairy plucked her finely arched pointes like she was playing the celesta. Poised, elegant, always lovely. Russell Janzen as her Cavalier brought his customary, much appreciated nobility to the role. He has the expansive pianist's hands that every ballerina longs for. They are always precisely in the right place at the right time.

As announced at curtain, apprentice David Gabriel stepped in for Roman Mejia in Tea and performed magnificently. Looking forward to seeing more of this young man whose big jumps have butter-soft landings.

Daniel Ulbricht's brilliant Candy Cane got the crowd roaring and no doubt sent those respiratory droplets flying through the face masks.

With no time to waste, Emma Von Enck dished out a triple pirouette in Marzipan. Olivia Boisson and Mary Elizabeth Sell led the gorgeous Flowers.

Behind the scenes the casting computer Watson Waltz whirled away, his circuits sweating, lights blinking through – dare we say – AR tears. Keep dancing, NYCB. Keep dancing.

Our H.H. Pump Bump Award, a Fendi stiletto at the edge of danger, is bestowed upon Isabella LaFreniere for her thrilling Dewdrop.

Please mask up and get boosted.

 

Comments

[Elizabeth]

Haglund I love reading your reviews! Thank you for taking the time to share them. Especially since I'm in Los Angeles and have to enjoy NYCB through you. Also-thank you to the diligent employees of the New York City Ballet from the dancers and management to the costumers, orchestra, and crew for being responsible and taking the necessary precautions to keep the show on its feet. Thank you to everyone who has been vaccinated, boostered, and diligently wears their masks properly.

[Haglund]

Thank you Elizabeth. I hope you have been able to find some good Nutcrackers in the LA area.

In many respects, NYCB is in much better shape to keep the show on the stage than any Broadway production. There are probably 50 women who know the SPF and Dewdrop by heart and would trip over themselves and each other to get to the stage to dance them. (Picture that.) So those roles are no problem. However, if the guy who drives Marie's bed in the snow scene gets sick or the operator of the Christmas Tree tests positive, then everything could get a little iffy. Nobody wants amateurs sprinkling the snow on the Snowflakes either. Just imagine what could go wrong with that. "Let's dump on that tall one who pissed me off yesterday."

Fingers crossed that the company makes it through all performances. I'm buying tickets like there's no tomorrow.

[Jeannette]

New York seems to be faring better than London, where the Royal Opera House has just closed until early January. All remaining NUTCRACKERS cancelled. 😢

Go, NYCB, go! Make it to the finish line!

[Christina Skoski]

We were just "treated" to Ratmansky's ABT Nutcracker here in Orange County CA. First time I've been back in the theater for a live performance in 2 years. Segerstom theater did a fine job of checking vaccination status and mandating masks. The kids on stage were also masked for the performance.It was the usual Ratmansky extravaganza, hopping, skipping,jumping, pratfalls, every variation required a joke. Evening was saved by Boyleston and Whiteside who were excellent. Looking forward to streaming classic NYC Nutcracker on Marquee.