Review By Emilie Minshew, Front Row Reviewers
Ballet West’s The Nutcracker at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City is a dazzling and magical holiday tradition. As America’s first Nutcracker, Ballet West has been delighting generations of Utah audiences since 1944. Interestingly enough, Ballet West’s specific production of The Nutcracker was designed as a “living historical site” by Utah politicians during a recent legislative session. Come see the excitement for yourself and join in the celebration of their exciting 80th anniversary!
First choreographed by Ballet West founder Willam Christensen, The Nutcracker is based on a fairytale by E.T.A. Hoffmann written in 1816. It was then adapted for a ballet by well-known Russian composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1829. The story follows a young girl named Clara on a dreamlike adventure in which she is guided by her newest toy, a Christmas nutcracker.
The ballet features stunning and dynamic sets by John Wayne Cook and Dick Bird and Belinda Bird. The painting job is truly incredible. I am continually amazed at the perspective they have managed to achieve. With a few tricks of the eye, audiences can expect to watch a Christmas tree grow to towering heights right onstage. Costumes by David Heuvel are breathtaking. There is not a single sequin out of place. One of my favorite details I happened to notice this year are the costumes worn by each of the girls’ dolls in the party scene. The dolls are wearing doll-sized replicas of the costumes worn by the dancers in the Sugarplum court from the second act. Darling details like this are part of what makes a Ballet West production so great.
Perhaps more than any other ballet, The Nutcracker is a show for all ages. And I highly recommend this ballet as it has a little something for everyone. There is humor, grace, and of course incredibly technical ballet dancing. Peri Lewis is a delightful and charming Clara, and Vinicius Lima is a wonderful Nutcracker Prince. Tyler Gum has the entire audience cackling as the mouse king. Keep an eye out for some of his more “modern” dance steps. Amy Potter and Jordan Veit dance a beautiful Snow Queen and Snow King. I hope that the amazement of watching them dance through an actual snowstorm onstage will never wear off. Katlyn Addison and Adrian Fry are entirely gorgeous as the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her cavalier during the grand pas de deux. I must say that Addison is very quickly becoming my favorite Ballet West dancer. Having seen her in several productions now, I can say that her performances are always impeccable. I know that if she is cast in a role, that she will be astonishing.
Capitol Theatre is as stunning as ever. As one of the most beautiful historic sites in the state, it’s rich and inviting atmosphere is a splendid venue in which to watch ballet. There is truly not a bad seat in the house. Whether you are sitting in the orchestra, mezzanine, or on the balcony, you are sure to have a great view of the show.
Tickets start at $36 and the show runs until the 28th of December. Don’t miss the celebration of this Utah Christmas gem!
Ballet West presents The Nutcracker
Capitol Theatre 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
December 6th-28th 2024, times and dates vary.
Tickets start at $36.
Contact: (801) 869-6900
Casting is subject to change. For the most accurate list of performers, be sure to check the casting board in the lobby.
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Photos by Beau Pearson
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