Joffrey “Nutcracker” Continues To Delight By Anna Hessel

Joffrey “Nutcracker” Continues To Delight

By Anna Hessel

 

The Joffrey Ballet’s holiday classic “Nutcracker” is back to once again thrill Chicago audiences with it’s awe inspiring splendor.  Exquisite use of puppetry, scintillating lighting, scrims, and stellar projections add to the magic of this Christmas classic.  I personally love the first act finale, gigantic pine cones, strings of cranberry and popcorn, and huge snowflakes make a flawless segue into a sparkling scene of snow falling, glittering costumes, and the shimmering artistry that the Joffrey is famous for.  The dancing is superb throughout the show – slides are used to enhance the magnificent athleticism synonymous with this world class dance troupe.

 

The second act takes the audience around the globe via the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition exhibits, bringing more spectacular dancing and beautiful costumes.  A favorite moment of mine takes place when the talented group of children hit the stage, dancing the parts of nuts that have been cracked open and smaller size nutcrackers; that particular number is a show stopper.

 

Clara and her Nutcracker prince are a pleasure to view, her mother’s pas de deux with the Impresario is flawless in its execution, and Buffalo Bill brings the house down with his energetic number.  Arabian Acrobatics and huge dragons add even more majesty to the stage.  Beautiful sets, timeless theatrics, and very unique use of masks and hats create a magical theatrical experience that is not to be missed.  After a year hiatus from COVID, the Nutcracker returns with phenomenal verve and vivacity.  No holiday season is complete without the magnificence of the Joffrey Nutcracker, now through December 26th; for tickets and information, go to their website at www.joffrey.org

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