Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker Winter 2021/22

[alison]

On 25/11/2021 at 22:18, capybara said:

The announcements are made for Principals.

 

Yet, switching over to Giselle, neither Claire Calvert nor Annette Buvoli are Principals, so that doesn't compute.  Not only that, but their casting wasn't announced until a few weeks ago anyway, unlike the Nutcracker casting, which was announced around the time booking opened, and therefore presumably influenced people's choice of performances rather more.

[bridiem]

7 hours ago, alison said:

Yet, switching over to Giselle, neither Claire Calvert nor Annette Buvoli are Principals, so that doesn't compute.  Not only that, but their casting wasn't announced until a few weeks ago anyway, unlike the Nutcracker casting, which was announced around the time booking opened, and therefore presumably influenced people's choice of performances rather more.

 

But those changes weren't announced on stage, which I think is what capybara was talking about. Of course even principal changes aren't generally announced on stage, though - only when they're at short notice. 

[JennyTaylor]

I think a big shout out should go to the many dancers who are performing 2 shows a day and sometimes 2 different roles in each. For example, Hannah Grennell played 2 grandmothers and 2 lead flowers on Thursday. Olivia Cowley is working her socks off as is Gina Storm-Jensen.  I do hope they are getting some recovery time.

[alison]

16 hours ago, bridiem said:

 

But those changes weren't announced on stage, which I think is what capybara was talking about. Of course even principal changes aren't generally announced on stage, though - only when they're at short notice. 

 

Ah.  I was talking about whether or not we got notified by email.

[Dawnstar]

1 hour ago, JennyTaylor said:

Olivia Cowley is working her socks off as is Gina Storm-Jensen.  I do hope they are getting some recovery time.

 

At least Gina got this evening off. I wondered if she'd have to do Zulme this evening after Myrtha this afternoon, because she did Zulme for the first Hayward/Campbell performance, but I see from the cast list that the management showed mercy!

[alison]

She was scheduled when I printed off the casting last night - unless it was just a carry-over from the previous performance.

[Balletfanp]

A bit late to the party here as it’s been a very busy long weekend, but here goes with an attempt to review the Thursday matinee Nutcracker….. I say ‘attempt’ as it was just a superlative performance all round with no weak links, so I’m not sure if I will have anything other than praise to dole out!

 

Every year I think “I won’t bother with the Nutcracker again this year, I’ve seen it so many times” and every year I cave in and see it, and it works its magic every time. But Thursday’s performance felt very special, somehow. Whether it was because I was seeing it with a good friend I hadn’t seen since well before lockdown, or because it was the first time in two years seeing a full performance with a full house, I don’t know. I was lucky enough to see one of the socially distanced performances last year, but although good, it wasn’t quite the same. Whatever, from the moment the curtain went up on the party scene, I was an emotional wreck fighting tears all the way through. The older I get the more emotional I seem to be!

 

it just looked beautiful, for a start - all the glitter and sparkle that never fully comes across on a DVD or in the cinema we’re there in full force - plus that glorious music, the tree, the snowflakes… but I’m babbling now. All the performers were fully invested in their roles and danced them with such love and enthusiasm that it was completely infectious. Anna Rose O’Sullivan IS Clara - and I very much enjoyed Joseph Sissens’ Hans Peter - he is always a beautiful dancer and his vitality in the role and wide smile made him so engaging to watch.

 

i thought the pared down Arabian worked well, danced with her usual fluidity by Melissa Hamilton and it kept the best of the original choreography. Both the Chinese and Russian dances were exuberantly performed and greeted with lots of applause - and how nice it was to see Yuhui Choe back onstage and performing so well.

 

With Nunez and Muntagirov, I’m almost lost for words to describe the perfection of their performance, both together and individually. They are both so musical, with nuanced phrasing, and seem so at home with each other in these roles that it was a joy to behold. Nunez’s Sugar Plum Fairy was just so dainty and regal at the same time, her every step reflecting the notes of the Celesta. Muntagirov as the Prince was so incredibly light and effortless - his landings in the coda so elastic and cushioned they were a work of art in themselves, never mind the rest! I don’t know how he manages it.

 

We were quite confused at the end as, instead of the curtain going up on the whole cast as usual, the ‘red run’ curtain calls took place. We were surprised but went along with it. Then there was a pause and the audience almost went quiet - I think everyone was confused as to what was going on - but then the curtain went up and the usual applause for the whole cast rang out enthusiastically. Then, of course, all became clear as Kevin O’Hare escorted Sir Peter onto the stage to wild applause, and the birthday banner came down. Sir Peter is looking frailer these days but was obviously in tearing spirits and said a few words in praise of the cast and how happy he was to be there. Kevin pointed out that the banner had been (rather obviously!) ‘recycled’ from five years ago 😂 and a ‘cake’ was brought out with candles. Apparently, the audience weren’t allowed to sing Happy Birthday but the orchestra played it and everyone mouthed it! Lots of enthusiastic hugging with cast members then took place. A wonderful surprise occasion to top off an exceptional performance and experience. I expect I will end up going next year again……

[Rob S]

1 hour ago, Balletfanp said:

 

We were quite confused at the end as, instead of the curtain going up on the whole cast as usual, the ‘red run’ curtain calls took place. We were surprised but went along with it. Then there was a pause and the audience almost went quiet - I think everyone was confused as to what was going on - but then the curtain went up and the usual applause for the whole cast rang out enthusiastically.

 

For Nutcracker they have a short first red run while they shift the workshop set out the way

[Emeralds]

On 26/11/2021 at 14:56, whatkindofbird said:

Would love to hear more about yesterday's (25th) performance from those who were there! 

Sorry this is a little late- the evening show of the 25th was wonderful, sheer magic. One of the loveliest Nutcrackers I’ve ever seen: orchestra played magnificently under Koen Kessels, dancers were on great form, no repeat of the matinee cake and banner (that would have resulted in many people missing trains home if they stayed!). but Kevin O’Hare did announce before the show it was Sir Peter Wright’s birthday, which led to a round of applause and cheers. Leo Dixon was a brilliant Hans Peter/Nutcracker- he danced and looked like a dream. Meaghan Grace Hinkis was charming, expressive  and fleet of foot as Clara, as always. Fumi Kaneko, no nerves evident, presided over Act 2 celebrations as a radiant and regal Sugar Plum Fairy- you couldn’t tell that she was stepping in for Osipova, as she owned the show so graciously and elegantly, as though she was the original cast. Reece Clarke looked chuffed and delighted to be partnering her (they’re not cast together - at present- for other shows) and it was lovely to see his soaring leaps again. The other solo performances were excellent - not a weak link in that cast that night. So very pleased and grateful to have been there! 

Edited November 28, 2021 by Emeralds

[Emeralds]

On 24/11/2021 at 17:23, Richard LH said:

I don't understand why Snowflakes need to be limited to 16 if 27 Wilis are OK.

I think it may be because Royal Ballet School senior students usually dance the Snowflakes with the professional artists and soloists of the Company. Can’t remember if it’s usually 6, 8 or more students, but if cutting out the students leaves lopsided patterns and formations I guess they have to cut the extra dancers to make the patterns symmetrical. I thought the dancers made it work very well, and had one not known what the previous version looked like, it would still have looked impressive. The choreography for Clara and Hans Peter has been modified to fill out the space, and once the prop snow falls from above, the stage looks full, like a true blizzard! 

Edited November 28, 2021 by Emeralds

[alison]

But don't the senior students dance in the Wilis in Giselle as well?  There were 24 of those ...

[zxDaveM]

1 hour ago, alison said:

But don't the senior students dance in the Wilis in Giselle as well?  There were 24 of those ...

 

perhaps they are making allowances for the corps also dancing Giselles, and 'flowers' in Act 2 of Nutcracker

[Emeralds]

9 hours ago, alison said:

But don't the senior students dance in the Wilis in Giselle as well?  There were 24 of those ...

I’m guessing they managed got those spots filled by other artists and soloists, since they don’t have to dance anything else (and specifically, change out of a different costume and do new hair & makeup) in that Act? It’s an interesting question. I wonder how long it would take to change out of a party guest/doll costume and into a Snowflake costume and do new hair and makeup - I’m guessing the hair/wig takes some time? Maybe after all this is over, someone in the company will write/put out a book about “How the Royal Ballet coped with Covid”. (Or any ballet company could do this.) It would make fascinating reading.

[Jan McNulty]

8 minutes ago, Emeralds said:

I’m guessing they managed got those spots filled by other artists and soloists, since they don’t have to dance anything else (and specifically, change out of a different costume and do new hair & makeup) in that Act? It’s an interesting question. I wonder how long it would take to change out of a party guest/doll costume and into a Snowflake costume and do new hair and makeup - I’m guessing the hair/wig takes some time? Maybe after all this is over, someone in the company will write/put out a book about “How the Royal Ballet coped with Covid”. (Or any ballet company could do this.) It would make fascinating reading.

 

The Royal Ballet is a much bigger company than the other 4 major ballet companies in the UK and perhaps has the requisite number of dancers.

 

Of the 2 companies I follow they tend to only have 20 minute intervals and seem to cope with costume and hair changes without any issues.

[Emeralds]

8 minutes ago, Jan McNulty said:

 

The Royal Ballet is a much bigger company than the other 4 major ballet companies in the UK and perhaps has the requisite number of dancers.

 

Of the 2 companies I follow they tend to only have 20 minute intervals and seem to cope with costume and hair changes without any issues.

But Jan, Snowflakes is in Act 1 and not Act 2. The issue might be whether there are enough hair & makeup personnel during Covid times (in case someone is off ill/with a positive Covid test) at every show to be able to finish wig and makeup during the battle scene in time to get all dancers out on stage without missing their cues. I believe the dancers do perform Snowflakes and then Act 2 roles routinely- I’ve spotted several who were recognisable under the snowflake wigs. 

[Jan McNulty]

47 minutes ago, Emeralds said:

But Jan, Snowflakes is in Act 1 and not Act 2. The issue might be whether there are enough hair & makeup personnel during Covid times (in case someone is off ill/with a positive Covid test) at every show to be able to finish wig and makeup during the battle scene in time to get all dancers out on stage without missing their cues. I believe the dancers do perform Snowflakes and then Act 2 roles routinely- I’ve spotted several who were recognisable under the snowflake wigs. 

 

I am aware of that but my comment still stands that in the other main companies quick (and drastic) changes are often required.  I can't remember the battle scene in the ROH's version but I would guess that that is when the snowflakes who may have been in the party scene get changed.

[bridiem]

The cast sheet for tonight is up: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright/cast-list/48978

 

I'm very upset that Gary Avis is not doing Drosselmeyer. I hope he will soon be recovered (but I haven't booked another performance with him in it. )

Edited November 29, 2021 by bridiem

[alison]

[JennyTaylor]

1 hour ago, bridiem said:

The cast sheet for tonight is up: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright/cast-list/48978

 

I'm very upset that Gary Avis is not doing Drosselmeyer. I hope he will soon be recovered (but I haven't booked another performance with him in it. )

Yes, this performance is now missing 2 of the dancers I particularly booked to see - Gary and James Hay.  We still have the sublime Marianela and Vadim of course, plus a bonus of Will Bracewell, but I fear the glitter will not be quite the same. 

[MJW]

1 hour ago, bridiem said:

The cast sheet for tonight is up: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright/cast-list/48978

 

I'm very upset that Gary Avis is not doing Drosselmeyer. I hope he will soon be recovered (but I haven't booked another performance with him in it. )

Oh no!

 

 

[bridiem]

4 minutes ago, JennyTaylor said:

Yes, this performance is now missing 2 of the dancers I particularly booked to see - Gary and James Hay.  We still have the sublime Marianela and Vadim of course, plus a bonus of Will Bracewell, but I fear the glitter will not be quite the same. 

 

Yes, they are why I booked this performance too. I'm sure it will still be lovely but ...

[MJW]

4 minutes ago, bridiem said:

 

Yes, they are why I booked this performance too. I'm sure it will still be lovely but ...

I suspect quite a few of us did!

[Richard LH]

Nutcrackertastic performances from everyone tonight... wonderful!

[JennyTaylor]

So, overcoming my disappointment at not seeing James Hay (which I knew in advance) and Gary Avis (which I didn't) I prepared to make the best of this performance. Of course, we did still have the supreme pairing of Marianela and Vadim which is worth the ticket money on its own and they certainly didn't disappoint, producing another faultless rendition of pdds and solos. One has to glory in their precision, grace and fabulous technique. The applause level suddenly doubled in decibels in appreciation of this wonderful partnership. 

 

Act 1 left me a little cold, from the minute there was no glitter in Drosselmeyer's hat. It might be a Gary Avis hallmark, but there is no reason why others can't copy it.  I found myself watching the minor characters at the party rather than the main action. I always like to do this (Manon for example), but this didn't happen when I saw this cast last week and Drosselmeyer (Avis) was mesmerising me. 

 

I very much enjoyed Bennet Gartside's Dr Stahlbaum and Leo Dixon certainly catches the eye as Clara's partner. The most beguiling character was Hannah Grennell's Grandmother.  She travelled round the back of the stage at least twice and I watched her fascinated. Was she trying to get another drink, was she just after a chat with other party attendees (all in character)?  She was always back at Grandfather's side at the right moments. Very amusing.  There was another amusing moment when Christopher Saunders accidentally knocked Grandfather's hat of his head. He threw it back all in character and Philip Mosley did appear to be having a laughing fit as a result. 

 

The Christmas tree grew with no hitches, the pdd between Anna-Rose and Joseph was lovely but I didn't cry as I did last week at both these moments. Christopher Saunders gave a very energetic performance, but there is something about the magic which Gary Avis weaves that brings a heightened emotion to everything. For me, this was missing. 

 

I still thoroughly enjoyed the show, for which Marianela and Vadim were primarily responsible. What a privilege it is to see them perform at this level. All the Act 2 dances were performed exceptionally well - how does Melissa Hamilton do that?? (Chinese dance) but the total impact was just a little lacking for me.   

 

Edited November 29, 2021 by JennyTaylor
typo

[bridiem]

Nunez and Muntagirov in the glittering, dazzling Kingdom of Sweets: breathtaking. Such brilliance that we do indeed seem to be witnessing another world and a different reality. A vision of celestial harmony that will surely transform the lives of Clara and Hans-Peter. Beautiful beyond belief.

 

 

[MJW]

7 hours ago, bridiem said:

Nunez and Muntagirov in the glittering, dazzling Kingdom of Sweets: breathtaking. Such brilliance that we do indeed seem to be witnessing another world and a different reality. A vision of celestial harmony that will surely transform the lives of Clara and Hans-Peter. Beautiful beyond belief.

 

 

 

I think that was only the second time I have seen them perform live together since I first started watching ballet in 2013 (the other time was the Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux in the summer).

 

Having seen the Nutcracker many times I am always a bit worried that it might seem a bit jaded but thankfully last night put paid to that. Wonderful performances from everyone.

 

Bit of a nightmare journey home with  a cancelled train and police stopping the one I managed to get. Hopefully my journey home from Giselle will be smoother!

 

p.s. I was very pleased to see that they have continued to dispense with the wigs for the men in the second act (as they did in 2020). They look so much better!

Edited November 30, 2021 by MJW
additional wording

[Odyssey]

Just want to draw attention to a review posted in today’s links from Aayush Chadha for the  Mancunian. I was really struck by this considered response.

[Fonty]

Interesting review, but I don't know why Aayush Chadha thinks most of the ballets are "too long."  About an hour per act (?) with at least one 20 or 25 minute intermission seems pretty reasonable to me.  Especially as I sat through two films recently that were at least two and a half hours long, with no break.  Now that was what I would call too long.  

[Odyssey]

1 minute ago, Fonty said:

Interesting review, but I don't know why Aayush Chadha thinks most of the ballets are "too long."  About an hour per act (?) with at least one 20 or 25 minute intermission seems pretty reasonable to me.  Especially as I sat through two films recently that were at least two and a half hours long, with no break.  Now that was what I would call too long.  

Sadly, I think for some, the experience of being in a cinema where people are free to eat, exchange the odd comment, even nip to the loo is something that is familiar and they are more comfortable with. 

[Shade]

The Nutcracker is short!

[Blossom]

On 25/11/2021 at 00:32, art_enthusiast said:

 

Very sorry to hear this - I specifically got a seat for this performance because I really wanted to see Natalia Osipova in this role, I've never seen her dance the Sugar Plum Fairy before (huge admirer of her work).
I think Fumi Kaneko is absolutely amazing but I already got a ticket to see her performance later in the run...
I understand this is last minute news and of course I really hope Natalia's injury isn't serious, wishing her the best recovery. I suppose exchanges aren't possible in the case of a last minute cast change? I'm unable to find any information about whether it's a possibility.

Anyone know if she’s better? Just secured tickets for Sat night (which due to Worldpay and gift certificate issues has involved about 6 calls with the Box Office and very grumpy about customer experience)  and would be more than ok with this substitution.

[Sim]

9 hours ago, Fonty said:

Interesting review, but I don't know why Aayush Chadha thinks most of the ballets are "too long."  About an hour per act (?) with at least one 20 or 25 minute intermission seems pretty reasonable to me.  Especially as I sat through two films recently that were at least two and a half hours long, with no break.  Now that was what I would call too long.  

I think she was listing other peoples' criticisms of ballet, not her own views!

[Guest oncnp]

On 29/11/2021 at 11:17, bridiem said:

The cast sheet for tonight is up: https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/the-nutcracker-by-peter-wright/cast-list/48978

 

I'm very upset that Gary Avis is not doing Drosselmeyer. I hope he will soon be recovered (but I haven't booked another performance with him in it. )

 

He has posted on IG that there has been a death in the family.