What a shame Chicagoans can’t seem to support this wonderful tradition of “The Nutcracker”! Yes, I have also seen the “new kid” in town–the Joffrey Ballet’s version–and was disappointed. It seems sterile in comparison; a New York version transplanted to Chicago with adult dancers in the parts of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. This is precisely the charm of the Ruth Page version–it has children, lots of them–in its cast. And the children who come to watch the show year after year can identify with Clara and Fritz and the Nutcracker Prince.
And, of course, one can’t overlook the budding young dancers in the audience, who dream of one day being on that stage. (Hundreds of young dancers audition for these coveted roles every year.) Add to this the very reasonable ticket price that families can afford and the fact that the proceeds support worthwhile charities, and you have a mix that has delighted Chicago audiences for 31 years.
Perhaps we took this production for granted, assuming it would be here every year whenever we wanted to attend. I sure hope Arie Crown Theater holds on to those costumes and props; I have a feeling this “Nutcracker” will be back. Sometimes we don’t appreciate something good until it’s missing.
