THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET IN ‘THE NUTCRACKER’

The Australian Ballet are currently at the Sydney Opera House presenting Peter Wright’s 1990 Birmingham Royal Ballet version, which has been in the repertoire since 2007. It is a different version to the Royal Ballet one by Wright, filmed for ROH Live which I have reviewed ,and there is also in the Australian Ballet’s box of treasures Graeme Murphy’s fabulous Australianised version.

This version is quite traditional, a wonderful first ballet and is full of opulent set designs, (at times a little heavy perhaps ), some amazing costumes and sensational dancing . Lighting – originally by David Finn here recreated by Jon Buswell was terrific and the Christmas tree growing was enchanting.

Nicolette Frailon energetically and enthusiastically led the wonderful Orchestra , in a lush sparkling rendition of Tchaikovsky’s luminous music. (But – I could be wrong – no children’s choir for the waltz of the snowflakes at the end of Act 1 and no Celeste for the dance of the Sugarplum fairy? )

An underlying theme is growing up and young love. It is also full of the dance world as Clara is a young hopeful dancer and her mother a former ballerina .It starts in a very Victorian era household and is a huge family affair .it was a treat to see two Australian Ballet legends return to the stage – Colin Peasley and Kathleen Geldard as the grandparents. Clara’s mother ( I saw Ingrid Gow) wears a stunning red dress and has an imposing solo before leading some of the dances . There is also Fritz, Clara’s annoying rather horrid little brother , numerous friends of the family etc … Karen Nanasca was delightful as wide eyed Clara , the main protagonist , who is given a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, which prompts a series of dreamed adventures both nightmarish and eventually joyous .

Her Nutcracker Prince was chivalrously , tremendously danced by Christopher Rodgers- Wilson.

The villainous King Rat in opulent robes and with long, flowing mane was regally, loomingly danced by Edward Smith.
Drosseymeyer here is presented as a mysterious manipulative magician (tall ,imposing Andrew Killian) , rather than Clara’s uncle , in exotic brocade robes that swirl and at times he stretches his arms and becomes almost bat like. (His assistant , Daniel Byrne had some amazing jumps and choreography too ).

It was interesting to note that the large silver boxes for Harlequin and Columbine ( Mason Lovegrove and Rina Nemoto )had the moon and the sun on them , Columbine emerging from the one with the sun , Harlequin the moon. Liam Redhead as the Jack in the Box was extraordinary with his sensational jumps. All three were at times rather menacing,  other times helpful .

The other suites of dances included the following – A slinky, sultry Arabian dance .The Spanish dance was dramatic in red and black with sinuous curves and infectious rhythms .The Chinese dance was for two gentlemen in yellow and black . The mirlitons dance was a quartet of charming young ladies in red and black. The Russian dance was a darting, breathless male trio .Clara was involved in all of them to a degree.

Our Sugar Plum Fairy was radiantly danced by Benedicte Bemet .

The big pas de deux she performed with the Nutcracker Prince was greeted with roars of approval.

The waltz of the snowflakes that ends Act 1 was full of criss crossing patterns of choreography filling the stage, with undulating arms. Our Snow Fairy leading them was Nicola Curry.The icy designs were visually thrilling .

In Act 2 the huge waltz of the flowers led by the Rose Fairy ( Rina Nemoto) , her consorts and leading flowers was another massive ensemble piece full of precise , challenging choreography and visually a wash of pinks and pale greens.

A traditional Christmas family ballet great for the holiday season.

Running time roughly 2 hours 15 minutes including interval

The Australian Ballet in Peter Wright’s the Nutcracker runs at the Sydney Opera House 30 Nov -18 Dec 2019

https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/events/whats-on/the-australian-ballet/2019/the-nutcracker.html

https://australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/the-nutcracker