The Nutcracker by the Kansas City Ballet Christmas 2013
"I know that song!" my four-year-old squealed with glee as she sat, perched on the edge of her seat, mesmerized by the magic of The Nutcracker! It is an annual tradition to take my girls to see The Nutcracker at the Kansas City Ballet, but this was my four-year-old's first experience with the production and she was delighted! Wanting to copy each dance move, I had to hold her on my lap to keep her feet from twirling as the magic of the music, costumes, and ballet swept her away into Clara's dream.
Having grown up attending The Nutcracker I must admit it is so much more fun to take my own girls and watch as their eyes dance with the magic of the show. And, it is undeniable that the acoustics and setting of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts have greatly enhanced the experience, with the symphony's performance truly being one of the highlights of the show.
The costumes and settings beautifully portray the tale of Clara and her nutcracker. The story begins on Christmas Eve at the Stahlbaum's house. The family is hosting a party when their godfather appears granting gifts to the children. He presents Clara with a nutcracker, but during the party the nutcracker is broken. He repairs it with a handkerchief. After the party, everyone goes home and goes to bed. Clara falls asleep awaking at midnight to discover that she shrunk and is now the size of her nutcracker. The Nutcracker battles the Mouse King, and is transformed into a human prince. After the battle, the new prince takes her on a fanciful adventure to the Land of Sweets. They are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy who takes them to her Candy Castle to celebrate with a grand festival.
Tchaikovsky's unforgettable music tells the tale with excitement and whimsy - a story enjoyed by generations. Our family looks forward to the show every Christmas season and we recommend making it a part of your holiday traditions! The Nutcracker by the KC Ballet showing Dec. 7 - 24,2013 at Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway Kansas City, MO.