Queensland Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ in 6th year
As Queensland Ballet is set to open its sixth season of The Nutcracker, love for this festive ballet shows no signs of slowing with an extra performance added to the 2018 season.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin said he was thrilled that Brisbane audiences have made The Nutcracker part of their Christmas tradition and that more and more people are discovering this delightful classic.
“Since we committed to staging Ben Stevenson’s The Nutcracker as an annual season in 2013, we’ve sold out most seasons and last year moved the season to QPAC’s largest theatre (Lyric) due to demand,” Li said. “This being our sixth year of The Nutcracker is no exception with the announcement of an extra performance being added to this season to cope with ticket sales.”
Considering why the show has such a big response, Li said, “We’re seeing a renewed interest in the story of The Nutcracker thanks to the recent release of Disney’s blockbuster movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. We’re proud to have a close connection to the movie with our Artistic Associate Liam Scarlett choreographing the performance by superstar ballerina Misty Copeland in the movie.”
Li added, “It’s such a magical story that we’re not surprised Disney has decided to take it on. It’s a story that keeps resonating with our audiences and we do hope to welcome new audiences to our ballet as a result of the movie.”
At midnight on Christmas Eve, little Clara begins a magical journey into a wondrous world where toys come to life, she fights off King Rat and his giant mice, she encounters delicate dancing snowflakes and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy, who reigns over the Kingdom of Sweets.
Clara meets the chivalrous Nutcracker and his soldiers and is ushered though magical worlds in an enchanted sleigh entertained by an array of incredible characters before waking from her dreams.
With its gorgeous sets, costumes and stunning choreography, combined with Tchaikovsky’s evocative music, this production of The Nutcracker delights audiences young and old.
“I first danced Ben Stevenson’s production of The Nutcracker in 1979 in Houston Ballet,” Li said. “Ben is a master at storytelling and bringing his own special magic to this story. Legendary costume designer Desmond Heeley lent his considerable flair to the costume designs which were beautifully interpreted by our Resident Designer Noelene Hill. Set Designer Tom Boyd created the most incredible sets that really do take the audience to another world sparkling with lighting designs by David Walters.”
“We’re so proud of this production that Brisbane audiences have taken into their hearts. I’d encourage anyone wanting to attend who hasn’t yet bought tickets, to quickly snap them up as the remaining tickets are sure to sell fast,” Li concluded.
Queensland Ballet’s The Nutcracker opens in the Lyric Theatre at QPAC on December 14 and runs until December 22. Tickets are available through www.queenslandballet.com.au.
Also, note that tickets for the company’s 2019 Season (“QB19”) have been released as of this week. Programming includes Dangerous Liaisons (March 22 – April 6, QPAC), The Masters Series (May 17 – 25, QPAC), Romeo & Juliet (August 28 – September 7, QPAC), Bespoke (November 8 – 16, Brisbane Powerhouse), The Nutcracker (December 13 – 21, QPAC), Synergy (June 28 — July 6, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts), The Little Green Road to Fairyland (July 11 – 21, QPAC) and the Queensland Ballet Academy Gala (October 18 – 20, Gardens Theatre, QUT). Book online or call QTIX on 136 246 to secure your seats to QB19.
Photo: Laura Hidalgo as the Snow Queen and Alexander Idazsak as the Prince. Photo by David Kelly.