Archive review: This review covers the 2016 world premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker for the Joffrey Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre, the Chicago World’s Fair-inspired production that replaced Robert Joffrey’s earlier staging. For current dates and tickets, see our Chicago holiday shows guide and our guide to where to see The Nutcracker in Chicago.
Conceived and Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.
Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Produced by the Joffrey Ballet.
Performed by the Chicago Philharmonic.
Conducted by Scott Speck.
At the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago.
Refreshingly new version of a classic has a definite Chicago flavor.
After many years of successfully mounting Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s fabulous score as a vivid holiday treat, Christopher Wheeldon has conceived and choreographed a worthy world premiere production of The Nutcracker. The freshness of this version works seamlessly with the Russian’s well-known score. This concept centers about a couple of children anticipating a world event—the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition—set to open in 5 months from Christmas Eve 1892.
Act one features joyous holiday music with an Eastern European (Polish?) flair as Tchaikovsky’s folksy music allows the folks to dance ethnic style. The celebration of the holidays and the anticipation of the Exposition fuels hope and optimism for all. The Great Impresario and his apprentice Peter arrive to add to the joy of the evening. Young Marie awakens to the classic battle between the toy soldiers and the mice. Marie wins the battle and with Peter now a prince set sail into the night.
Act Two, the two arrive at the World’s Fair and they move from pavilion to pavilion where each country dances in their traditions. As the dream ends, Marie awakens to find that it is Christmas Day. She enjoyed her dreams as all children should.
The dazzling costumes, the fabulous set design and the vivid video projections are a refreshing addition to the world-class dances that the Joffrey always provides. At about two hours, this fast-paced whimsical ballet is kid-friendly and adult approved. If you are worn-out by the old version of The Nutcracker, take heed, the world premiere Chicago based concept will blow you away. The choreography, while dedicated to the best of the past also has some new twists that are refreshing. The Chicago Philharmonic sounds terrific. This production is a “must see” that will reinstill your enjoyment of The Nutcracker. Whichever performance you attend, the cast of dancers will be the best available from the world-class Joffrey.
Highly Recommended.
Tom Williams
For more info, check out The Nutcracker page at theatreinchicago.com.
Find all the places to see The Nutcracker in Chicago and surrounding areas.
More ChicagoCritic reviews of the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker: 2011 (Robert Joffrey staging) · 2014 (Robert Joffrey staging)