Review: "'The Nutcracker' returns to life in vibrant Cleveland Orchestra, PA Ballet production"
Like its title character after he's been brought to life, Pennsylvania Ballet's production of Balanchine's "The Nutcracker" with the Cleveland Orchestra has a heart. A real, warm, beating heart.
No pall here of routine, of anyone going through the motions. Beyond the splendorous sets, costumes, and staging effects, from the top of the cast to the bottom, their account of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece exudes sincerity, the sense of artists enjoying themselves and actively striving to put on a good show.
Despite less-than-flattering acoustics in the pit, the Cleveland Orchestra under associate conductor Brett Mitchell manages to supply that special magic only live music can, all the while demonstrating supreme agility in response to the action on stage. Through Mitchell, in fact, the music lines up with the dancers exactly.
Newer PostReview: "Cleveland Orchestra sublime..."
Older PostReview: "Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra: Bruckner and a Briggs premiere"