Last week, I had the honour to attend the Premiere and Red Carpet of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal’s 52nd annual edition of The Nutcracker. More than 300 costumes, 165 characters and 300 people taking part in the production brought back this timeless classic. The Nutcracker is an explosion of magic in the heart of winter: an unforgettable two-act ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale set to the music of Tchaikovsky – played by the Grands Ballets Orchestra.
Hoffmann’s beautiful tale brings us to Christmas Eve, where the Councillor von Stahlbaum is giving a party for his children, Clara and Fritz, and their friends. Among the guest is Clara’s godfather, Doctor Drosselmeyer, who has magical powers. The little Clara receives a nutcracker as a present from him and a pair of magical shoes from her grandparents.
At the end of the evening, Clara goes to sleep with her nutcracker. Mice and rats invade the room and engage in a battle against tin solders. Brought to life by Clara’s godfather, the nutcracker comes to her rescue and help her win the duel against the King of the Rats. As a reward for Clara’s courage, Doctor Drosselmeyer transforms the nutcracker into a handsome Prince who takes her to the Land of Snow and to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Clara and her Prince are first greeted the Snowflakes and then by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. A big celebration is held in her honour during which she is presented with the most delightful sweets and is entertained by wonderful characters. After dancing for her, the Sugar Plum Fairy reminds Clara that she must return home. A golden-winged swan appears in the Kingdom of Sweets and brings Clara home.
I was completely overwhelmed by the splendor of the show. No detail has been spared in making this year’s winter wonderland. The décor and the costumes were rich, colourful and majestic. My favourite scene was in the Land of Snow where white snow began to fall on stage. The Snow Queen, her Cavalier and the Snowflakes dancing together under the falling snow made the most stunning moment of The Nutcracker! The dancers were magnificent. The partnering was gorgeous and filled with mystique and elegance. Fouetté, pas de deux, arabesque, grand jeté, pointe and many other ballet techniques were gracefully and perfectly executed.
The Nutcracker is presented at the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier of Place des Arts from December 11 to 30. After more than 50 years, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal showed that this classic is still and will always be a beloved tale in our hearts.
Pictures credit: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal
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