Courtesy of Rob-Harris Productions
With its Christmas Eve festivities, twirling dolls and snowflakes, and an enchanted prince who transports a young girl to the Land of Sweets, “The Nutcracker” is the ideal blend of holiday music and magic.
Based on an 1816 German story called “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet has become one of the most popular in the world, thanks to the 1892 adaptation by Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov.
“The Nutcracker” often is a young person’s first exposure to ballet, according to Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre. Although productions differ in style, each guarantees colorful costumes, elaborate sets and, of course, dynamic dancing.
I saw “The Nutcracker” as a teen in Philadelphia years ago. Today in The Tampa Tribune, I had the pleasure of highlighting the various Bay Area performances throughout this month, along with a few extras inspired by this evergreen treat. Enjoy!