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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dance-5 stars; staging-1,
By
This review is from: Nutcracker, the (VHS Tape)
I bought this ballet because I wanted to round out my Nutcracker collection. I already own the Baryshnikov/American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet versions and, of the three, this is by far the weakest and least interesting. The party scene is way too busy, and the costumes for the adults are unattractive, to say the least. The adults lack personality, and the children are underplayed. The NYCB production comes off much better here, even with the presence of Macauley Culkin. Real children appear in that ballet; the ABT version uses some of its younger corps members. But both of the other versions have lots of color. The party guests also appear to be having fun! Robert LaFosse and Heather Watts (NYCB) and Gayle Young and Sallie Wilson (ABT) are much better as the party's hosts.The Kingdom of the Sweets falls way short. It is lavish, and the costumes are lush, but everything is colorless. The various dancers are almost indistinguishable from one another save for occasional touches like Russian boots and Spanish headscarves. Where are the candy canes? Where are Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles? Missing and very much missed. The dancing, however, is excellent, although Dowell is a fine danseur noble and excellent partner but does not have the good feet of Baryshnikov or young Ethan Stiefel. However, it could be Sleeping Beauty as far as anyone could tell who would be watching it without the music. The NYCB version is FAR superior. ABT's also is more watchable, although the ending is a little bizarre thanks to Baryshnikov's new interpretation. Unless you are a collector, do not buy this.
3.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Nutcracker Videos, But I could complain!,
By Josh Rappaport (Harrisburg PA, 17110) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Nutcracker, the (VHS Tape)
I really love this Royal Ballet Production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The orchestra sounds much better than on the Baryshnikov version. The percussion section here could blow off the viewer's speakers. Now I can see why Svetlanov conducts in a slow pace here on this production: it's to bring out everything the orchestra has to offer and to fit the dancing and choreography. The complaint I have is that Mother Ginger is cut. Everything else is in there and I don't have to worry at all.Here's another problem: If only Gelsey Kirkland was on this video instead of the Baryshnikov one. She's more gorgeous looking than this girl who plays Clara here(I forgot what her name was). Gelsey Kirkland is more gorgeous looking than anybody else who played the role of Clara in a Nutcracker. I don't think there's anyone more gorgeous looking who played Clara. All the Nutcracker versions I've heard have a not-so-pretty looking girl who plays Clara. Come on directors, think pretty when you're talking about a character like Clara. If I were a director, I would. Everyone else looks fantastic. But the Clara, no way! Somebody should hire a really pretty looking Clara the next time they do a Nutcracker production, someone who looks more like Gelsey Kirkland!
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Authentic Production Of The Great "Nutcracker",
By
This review is from: Nutcracker, the (VHS Tape)
"The Nutcracker" was first staged for the Russian Czar's Imperial Ballet of St. Petersburg by choreographer Lev Ivanov (choreographer of the famous 'lakeside scene' in "Swan Lake") in 1892. The ballet was originally meant to be choreographed by the great 19th century ballet master Marius Petipa (creator of "Don Quixote", "La Bayadere", "The Sleeping Beauty", "Swan Lake" among others), however he fell ill before rehearsal began and the responsabilty of the dances was given to his assistant, Lev Ivanov. Petipa commissioned the ballet from Tchaikovsky in 1891 after thier earlier success with "The Sleeping Beauty". Petipa wrote down detailed instructions in a 'bar for bar' manner. Tchaikovsky fullfilled his task with one of the ultimate master works of theater. The ballet was not a phenominal succes at its 1892 premiere, like its predecessor was, due largly in part to the un-dramatic libretto, not typical of the time. It was revised countless times in Russia, though it has never become the staple it is in the West.Here we have the Royal Ballet's revival and restoration of the original staging, as close to it as possible anyhow. The principals are exquisite: Leslie Collier as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Anthony Dowel as her Suitor. Collier is precise and quite the little powerhouse. Dowell is Noble and beautiful as her elegant suitor. The staging is great, and the choreography is well done with much taste. The national dances in the second act are obviously not true to the original (Im sure the original creators would have done a better job!) in many respects they do not fulfill their potential. But over all this production is a good interpretation of this ballet. For a more impressive second act, the New York City Ballet's production of Balanchine's "Nutcracker" (with Mcauley Culkin) is a great companion. Four Stars!
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