Texas Ballet Theater has retired its old, sumptuous production of The Nutcracker for a fresh version. A gift from the now-defunct Ballet Florida of West Palm Beach, the new arrangement of sets and costumes is essentially a thank-you to TBT artistic director Ben Stevenson, who staged a number of ballets for Ballet Florida over the years. The scenery was created by Filipino designer Edurado Sicango and the costumes by Chilean designer Jorge Gallardo.
Stevenson has tweaked his choreography to fit the new visuals. Additions include a Snow Prince for the Snow Queen (the Nutcracker Prince did the honors in the old production) and a third doll performing in the first act. There are also dancers flying overhead.
Carolyn Judson will dance the opening-night Sugar Plum Fairy, with Lucas Priolo as her Nutcracker Prince. The Snow Queen will be performed by Betsy McBride, with Carl Coomer as the Snow Prince. Little Clara, on whose fanciful dream the whole ballet is based, will be danced by Alexandra Farber.
Stevenson’s popular lampoon The Nutty Nutcracker –– always full of references to current events –– will be performed one night only, Fri, Dec 21. — Leonard Eureka
The Nutcraker runs thru Sun, Dec 23 at Bass Performance Hall, 555 Commerce St, FW. Tickets are $25-145.25. Call 877-828-9200.
