PicksInSix Review: The Nutcracker-Joffrey Ballet
Joffrey Classic Shines Bright at Lyric
Guest Contributor | Kaitlyn Linsner
Joffrey Ballet’s reimagined “The Nutcracker” delights from start to finish in its new home, the historically stunning Lyric Opera House, where a certain magic fills the air before dancers even hit the stage. Originally choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and debuted in 2016, this Chicago-set Nutcracker transports the audience to the World’s Fair of 1893 while still featuring Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable compositions.
The first Act sets a warm and joyous tone by introducing us to the talented cast at a Christmas Eve celebration. The immigrant workers constructing the World’s Columbian Exposition gather for the holiday at the home of young Marie (Yumi Kanazawa), her brother Franz (Oliver Reeve Libke) and their mother (Jeraldine Mendoza). The creator of the World’s Fair, the Great Impresario (Dylan Gutierrez), joins the festivities and gives Marie her beloved nutcracker.
From there, we begin a whimsical journey through Marie’s dreamscape. A once modest Christmas tree magically transforms into a large-than-life holiday backdrop for the classic battle between the Rat King (Temur Suluashvili) and Nutcracker (José Pablo Castro Cuevas), who later turns into Marie’s regal crush, Prince Peter (Hyuma Kiyosawa). Marie and Peter both shine in their talent and grace on stage with power and poise throughout.
The first act closes with the beautiful Snow Scene. An image of the World’s Fair idly rests in the backdrop amidst swirling, winter blue hues surrounding Lake Michigan. Snow falls from the sky while dancers resembling sparkling snowflakes execute remarkable choreography requiring full mastery of the space. A gondola then takes Marie, Prince Peter and the Great Impresario into the night where we later visit Marie’s dream-version of the World’s Fair.
The second act features increasingly stellar performances from the Joffrey’s dancers. The Act begins at the World’s Fair where we meet the Queen of the Fair (Jeraldine Mendoza) as this version’s Sugar Plum Fairy along with performers from around the world including the crowd favorite “Arabian Dancers” (Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili). We even meet Buffalo Bill (Edson Barbosa) from the Wild West whose entertaining performance truly charms. Worth noting is also the adorable number featuring literal dancing nuts. Both of these portions stand out as refreshing comedic moments different from the contents of the original Nutcracker. This is an example of the breath of fresh air weaving throughout the production that creates a new variety of holiday spectacle and tradition for fans of both new and old alike. While Marie does eventually wake from her dream, the enchantment lingers and permeates through the audience thus illustrating the power of imagination.
The brilliance of the Joffrey’s “Nutcracker” truly lies in its talented dancers—most notably Kiyosawa, Kanazawa, Mendoza and Jaiani—who captivate with their every move. The impressive set and cinematic projection design by Julian Crouch and 59 Productions also elevates this production by filling the Lyric’s stage with grand and ornate scenes. The Joffrey’s “Nutcracker” celebrates a holiday classic while excelling at embracing originality in each aspect of the production which makes this a special show likely to inspire for years to come.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | KAITLYN LINSNER graduated from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2020 and currently practices as an attorney in Chicago.
PHOTO|Todd Rosenberg
JOFFREY BALLET
presents
The Nutcracker
Lyric Opera House
20 North Wacker Drive
through December 26
(312) 386-8905
WEBSITE
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