Even if you've never seen a performance of "The Nutcracker," it's likely you are at least familiar with the music -- though you might not know it. Tchaikovsky's iconic score -- which celebrates its 125th anniversary next year -- has become a Christmas staple, irrevocably bound to the spirit of the season.
"The music is so beautiful! I still think to this day [the show] is enchanting and danceable. The choreography, the costumes, the set, the storyline -- there's a lightness about it," offers André Lewis. Lewis is the artistic director with Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet and has been involved in varying capacities with different versions of "The Nutcracker" since 1975.
FAQ
‘The Nutcracker’
WHEN — 7 p.m. today; 2 & 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
WHERE — Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville
COST — $20-$50
INFO — 443-5600 or waltonartscenter.org
Lewis and Jo-Ann Sundermeier, principal dancer with the company, have something in common: The classic story of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy ignited their passion for the art of ballet. For Lewis, it was participating in a production alongside his sister when they were children that hooked him. For Sundermeier, Miami City Ballet's production was her first taste of a full-length professional ballet performance. Now, she'll take the stage at the Walton Arts Center this weekend in what she guesses is her seventh year (it's hard to keep track) in the role of older Clara -- or the character of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
"Every year, I get a greater appreciation for the show," she says by phone during a break in rehearsals. "I've found when you revisit roles you've done previously, it gives you an opportunity to explore deeper and gives you more confidence. Every year I have more and more excitement."
While professional companies tend to remain faithful to the original Russian source material, more than a century of performances, regional influences and artistic innovations have led to slightly varied interpretations of "The Nutcracker" over time. Lewis' vision moves the characters into the 20th century and offers a more contemporary feel by melding the Russian past with more Western traditions.
"I wanted our version to be set in North America and reflect some of the customs North Americans would celebrate at Christmas. I think I have made a statement," Lewis says. Sundermeier adds their version is meant to show off some Canadian culture. Are those Mounties the mice are fighting?
But don't let the Russian and Canadian influences make you uneasy. Sundermeier says the simple storyline, familiar music and the holiday spirit of the show make it an ideal starter ballet for anyone new to the style. Any art form can be too cerebral or complicated for some people to really enjoy. But Sundermeier and Lewis agree "The Nutcracker" is not one of those examples.
"The performers are elite athletes, but the art form is not elitist whatsoever," Lewis assures. "If ballet is considered an art of communication and you speak gibberish, people won't understand. But if you dumb it down too much where there's no content, people won't understand either. The goal is to create something accessible to the people."
NAN What's Up on 11/25/2016