“The Nutcracker” Joffrey Ballet

[rating=4]The world renowned Joffrey Ballet is back at The Auditorium Theatre and as they do every year, they transform the stage into something special for audiences of every age. I have been witness for many years and this year decided that it would be nice to have someone else share the magic moments of this special production, so in my place, I sent Theresa Morfas ( an employee at Theatre at the Centre) and her 9 year old niece, Tess Vanator, who had never been to a production such as this- here is what Tess said:” I went to the opening of the Nutcracker Ballet and it was magical. I liked the huge harp and gigantic drums as the music took you on a magical adventure.

I liked the living room scene where Clara’s Godfather, Dr. Drosselmeyer, with the power of magic, made the Christmas Tree grow and grow, great and big.

The most magical scene is the “Land of Snow” where the Snow Queen,King and Prince, Snowflakes, Snow winds and Snow Tree Angels dance. There was lots of snow and mist and very pretty music. One of the funniest scenes was when the little children came out of Mother Ginger’s dress and danced around. Mother Ginger is a huge,huge puppet.Another of the fun scenes is when the Russian Nougats danced as the people clapped their hands to the beat.Along with the pretty music, the costumes were pretty too. I loved The Nutcracker and think you would too!”

This is the impression of a nine year old at her first experience. Her aunt Theresa had this to say:

“My sister and I have seen The Nutcracker in the past ( at McCormick Place in the 80’s and 90’s), but never a production as powerful as that of The Joffrey company. What a wonderful treat. The sets, the costumes, the staging and of course the blending of the great music with the talented dancers in this troupe.The dancers athletic abilities were amazing, In the Arabian dance.The lead ballerina was so agile, it almost appeared that she had no spine. Herr Drosselmeir’s magic added a great touch as the younger members of the audience sat amazed and wanting more magic. For us, it was a magical moment and an evening that we will remember for years to come”

This is the 25th anniversary of Robert Joffrey’s glorious production where Joffrey along with co-creator Gerald Arpino, brought the setting from Europe to 19th century America and used his own toys and memories to create the magic that was his childhood.This year 118 dancers join the company allowing local performers one of the greatest memories they will ever have.Besides these talented young dancers, local children’s choirs are participating in several scenes, making this production a special one for the residents of the Greater Chicago area.

As someone who has witnessed this production in years past, just posting their words, I can hear the music and envision the dancers. What a great experience for a family and you have until December 27th to share this experience with your family. Performances are December 15th and 16th at 7 p.m.,Saturday 12/17 at 2 and 7 p.m.,Sunday,12/18 at 2 and 7 p.m., and then on Tuesday at 7 p.m.,Wednesday 12/21 at 2 and 7 p.m.,Thursday the 22nd at 2 and 7 p.m.,Friday at 2 and 7 p.m.,Christmas Eve ,the 24th at 2 p.m. ( no evening).NO PERFORMANCE on Christmas Day, but two performances after the Holiday, Monday the 26th and Tuesday the 27th at 2 p.m.

Tickets range from $30 and are available to purchase at the Joffrey box office located at 10 E. Randolph Street, at The Auditorium box office (50 East Congress Parkway), all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-982-2787 or online at www.ticketmaster.com

To learn more about The Joffrey Ballet, please visit www.joffrey.org