NUTCRACKER!

[QueenIsabella]

Once again, it is Nutcracker season! All 4 of my children have danced in it in some capacity through the years. I've spent untold hours prepping (I mostly do costumes). This is my penultimate year, as my youngest is a junior in HS (and won't be pursuing dance in college). And he's reached the pinnacle--he'll be dancing the role of Nutcracker this season! Frankly, while I'm excited for him, I'm not so excited for the show. I've just seen it so.many.times. I've sat through rehearsals, dress rehearsals, stage runs to check costumes, emergency repairs, a barfing gingerbread--you name it, I've probably done it.

That said, when the lights go down and Party Scene starts, you know I'll have a great time. And I love the music!

So, who else is looking forward (or not!) to seeing or hearing the Nutcracker this Christmas? BTW, our performances are the 17th and 18th. 2 weeks to go!

 

[leebee]

OMG, I can say the exact same thing! DD danced from 3rd grade through college, and was hired by a local ballet company. I have seen this show So Many Times, as the company she danced with did Nut tours, with 10-12 shows a season! Unfortunately rheumatoid arthritis and pointe shoes don't mix, so her performing days are pretty much over, although she still keeps her "foot" in by doing choreography and subbing for the local dance studios. I, too, worked in the costume department and was assistant stage manager for many years; in fact, I am not 100% sure I've ever seen DD dance from the house- only from the wings, lol! (ok, not entirely true, but close). I miss it, though, and hearing the beginnings of Snow, Waltz of the Flowers, Spanish variation, or Sugar Plum can bring sudden, unexpected tears. (I'm a joy at the mall sometimes...). I am not sure we'll go this year- lots of things on tap for the holidays and I might not make it to Nut. I don't know... I might sneak in the back, it's not like I don't know how to access the stage door, hahaha!

 

[NotUrsula]

I have been costuming a Nutcracker skating production for 8 years, since the year after DD joined the cast as a tiny mouse. It's 4 shows over 2 days, with endless numbers of practices and two all-day dress rehearsals. So why did I volunteer to wrangle, repair and alter 152 costumes every year? Simple, so I wouldn't have to sit and listen to it over and over again, and also to get out of the cold, because I get to spend every show and rehearsal hiding in the costume shop where I can't hear it, LOL. I come out to watch DD's bit, and then go back to work. It's an unassailable excuse.

 

[QueenIsabella]

I have been costuming a Nutcracker skating production for 8 years, since the year after DD joined the cast as a tiny mouse. It's 4 shows over 2 days, with endless numbers of practices and two all-day dress rehearsals. So why did I volunteer to wrangle, repair and alter 152 costumes every year? Simple, so I wouldn't have to sit and listen to it over and over again, and also to get out of the cold, because I get to spend every show and rehearsal hiding in the costume shop where I can't hear it, LOL. I come out to watch DD's bit, and then go back to work. It's an unassailable excuse.

I'm right there with you on hiding in the costume room! SOOO much less drama, even having to deal with the occasional emergency.

 

[Suger Mag]

Full on Nut fever week... our performances are this coming weekend.... Dec 9-11. This will be the 50th anniversary of the school (Pioneer Valley Ballet) so it is an 'extra' affair... and they are back to pre-pandemic with community children participating and visiting professionals from Carolina ballet.
Even though I have seen it umpteen times and done my stint as costumer for the dance studio; perhaps because I am more removed now from all of the hub-bub, my daughter is a college dancer and teacher and is more independent... so besides footing the bill for new pointe shoes, all I have to do is show up and enjoy. Been fun watching her through the years dance various roles in the Nutcracker... this year she is the Harlequin Toy and due to some last minute injuries in the cast now also a rat-snowflake-flower lol.... i do know that when the lights dim, and the music starts, I may still wipe away a tear of happiness... not that jaded yet

 

[QueenIsabella]

My DD19 actually volunteered to be backstage for the dress rehearsals and performance--she was already at the run-through this past weekend. Here's the funny thing--they pay her, but she'd do it for free! She just loves the excitement and energy backstage. Plus, having been in umpteen performances herself (Nutcracker and others), she's a seasoned pro. She's actually giving her earnings to her brother--he's going to South Korea with the Scouts next summer (World Jamboree), and is paying his own way. I think she just wants to get rid of him, but still, a nice gesture.

P.S. Not missing paying for pointe shoes! Boys are so much cheaper--the tights last so much longer, and the shoes are just regular slippers.

 

[leebee]

Pointe shoes... BTDT, don't miss paying for them at all! Fortunately Gaynors really did fit DD's foot best, so we only bought maybe 4 or 6 pairs a year, but DD's feet are 2 different sizes so we did a lot of swapping around. Good thing pointe shoes don't have a right or a left! Some of her friend were going through a pair or more a month (thinking Russian Pointes, which fall apart if you look at them too hard). Happiest day of my life was when DD announced that SHE would take care of sewing on ribbons and elastics; stitching thru Gaynors is like trying to sew through concrete!

 

[Suger Mag]

Pointe shoes... BTDT, don't miss paying for them at all! Fortunately Gaynors really did fit DD's foot best, so we only bought maybe 4 or 6 pairs a year, but DD's feet are 2 different sizes so we did a lot of swapping around. Good thing pointe shoes don't have a right or a left! Some of her friend were going through a pair or more a month (thinking Russian Pointes, which fall apart if you look at them too hard). Happiest day of my life was when DD announced that SHE would take care of sewing on ribbons and elastics; stitching thru Gaynors is like trying to sew through concrete!

yup, two pair (different sizes) at a time here also, adds up $$ just ordered, with shipping $296, but you get a spare lol

Suffolk-Stellar

 

[barkley]

timing-this show will be on my mind later today. i'm decorating my tree and one of the ornaments is a toy solider that was gifted to me by the very sweet young man who played the prince in a community musical theater production i was in almost 20 years ago! i always think of him and the production when i trim the tree.

 

[fla4fun]

I haven’t seen a live performance for probably 30 years. I know it was before we moved near Orlando. We saw A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker live the same day, with dinner in between, at the performing arts center in Tampa. Getting in and out of Orlando to go to the theater is kind of a pain from where I live now.

I do have the DVD of the Baryshnikov/Kirkland production that I watch each season. I love the music and it doesn’t feel like Christmas without it.