Christian Spuck attempts to distance himself from the Dumas/Petipas version and puts the literary origin at the heart of his ballet.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Ballet
new york city ballet presents
George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker
Ballet100 min2011PG
For over 70 years, the magic of Christmas has come alive at New York’s Lincoln Center. Now, you can bring this cherished holiday home and experience George Balanchine's Nutcracker performed by New York City Ballet. With masterful choreography, lavish costumes, and Tchaikovsky's timeless score, the enchanting tale of young Marie's dreamlike journey unfolds. An onstage blizzard whisks her to the Land of Sweets, where mischievous mice battle toy soldiers. The iconic "Sugar Plum Fairy" pas de deux, celebrated for its beauty and technical precision, stands out, along with the mesmerizing "Waltz of the Flowers" and "March of the Wooden Soldiers." Tiler Peck shines as the Marzipan Shepherdess, showcasing exceptional artistry and control. The costumes, designed by Karinska, are true masterpieces. Notably, Mother Ginger's towering gown, spanning 9 feet wide and weighing 85 pounds, as well as a sparkling Christmas tree that magically grows to 40 feet before your eyes.
Why Watch This
“Rouben Ter-Arutunian's scenic design elevates the production's magic, highlighted by the famous one-ton Christmas tree that visibly grows from 12 to 41 feet during the performance. Coupled with a continuous flutter of crystal-shaped snowflakes, the stage effects regularly draw gasps from the audience. Legendary designer Barbara Karinska created the lavish costumes, including the unforgettable Mother Ginger, a comic figure who wears an 85-pound, nine-foot-wide skirt supported by a 40-pound frame.”
— Marquee TV Content Curator