It's That Time of Year: Ballet Austin Presents The Nutcracker [Review]

Because it’s a cheerful holiday tradition and a chance for younger artists to build some performance experience, many dance companies put on their own version of The Nutcracker each year. Some productions are a little more dazzling than others, of course, and Austinites are dealt a pretty lucky hand with Ballet Austin’s staging of this familiar but always charming story. Capable dancers, fab costumes and top-notch musical accompaniment from the Austin Symphony Orchestra explain why this has become an unmissable December event for so many of us.

Last Sunday’s performance didn’t disappoint. From the tiniest angels to the most experienced soloists, the dancers warmed up the stage with energy and talent. Especially memorable were performances from the Sugarplum duo, Aara Krumpe and Frank Shott, who handled the most technically difficult roles with impressive grace and confidence.

For any first timers out there, The Nutcracker is a two-act ballet that tells the story of Clara, a young girl who receives a toy soldier (the Nutcracker prince) from her mysterious uncle at her family’s Christmas party. That night she dreams that he turns into a real man, she saves his life during a clash with an army of mice, and then they run off to the land of sweets where they’re entertained like royalty. With a score by Tchaikovsky, snappy choreography by Stephen Mills, and a theater full of folks decked out in their finest gear (well, some people will be wearing jeans, but this is Texas, after all), you'll easily see why, for many, the holidays aren't complete without this experience.

In a ballet based on familiarity (mechanical dolls always entertain the party, Clara always slays the Mouse King, snowflakes always fall from the sky), Ballet Austin incorporates one surprise into the mix each night. The role of Mother Ginger is handed off from one local “celebrity” to another, with the likes of Texas State Senator Kirk Watson and Univision News Anchor Regina Rodriguez stepping into the tall, tall shoes of the jolly matriarch. On Sunday, Chef David Bull of Congress, Second Bar + Kitchen and Bar Congress embraced the role with a good sense of humor (he used the props on hand to simulate a little kitchen prep work -- it went over the heads of the largely kid-populated audience at the matinee, but we appreciated the effort).

Anyway, if you’re having trouble embracing the holiday spirit or want an excuse to enjoy a fancy night out, The Nutcracker is your best bet. Performances run through Dec. 23 and tickets range in price from $12 to $71. (Tip: as of Thursday morning, Google Offers is running a ticket special for the Dec. 16 show.)