TrulyGrace

The Jazz Nutcracker

Maureen and I attended the Jazz Nutcracker last night. It was presented by the Point Park University Conservatory Dance Company at the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Duke Ellington in the 1950's composed a jazz rendition of "The Nutcracker Suite," including "The Magical Chinaman," "The Flapper and Dude," "The Arabesque Cookies" (after the Arabian Dancers), and "The Sugar Rum Fairy," all danced by the vaudevillan guests at Clara's theatrical family. Another recognizable Tchaikovsky cum jazz riff included "The Cabaret Awakens" at the beginning of Act II. The "It Don't Mean a Thing Swing" was a pure joyful jazz number right after the "Floreador Finale," followed by Clara's journey home.

The music was spectacular, the numbers beautifully crafted by Doug Bentz, a friend of Maureen's, and the dancers talented and appropriately in character, setting the mood and tone of each scene. The part of Clara last night was danced by Ashley Zimmerman, a ballet major who got the part over other students with less classical, more jazzier training. Bravi!

This rendition of the Nutcracker made me realize that this story is basically about two parents that hold a party, invite all their friends, and invite "Uncle" Drosselmeyer, who is an expert hypnotist, to the party. He hypnotizes the party, save sixteen-year-old Clara, whom he dances with, and to whom he gives a Nutcracker. The Uncle then encourages Clara to partner-dance with the now-life-sized wooden doll, and they go to a nightclub/cabaret to see recreations of the vaudeville acts of the party guests. The depiction of the Uncle was appropriately eerie at times, and only added to the overall effect.
~~~~~
Afterwards, Maureen and I went to Eat N Park for a burger and liver and onions.

Labels: dance, Pittsburgh, Tchaikovsky, theater

posted by Grace @ 12/17/2011 09:22:00 AM