The Nutcracker

Queensland Ballet, Lyric Theatre QPAC, Performances 13-21 December 2024

Kaho Kato as Clara and Vito Bernasconi as Dr Drosselmeyer– Photo by David Kelly

Christmas is a time for children and for dreams of a better world. So it was for Clara (danced brilliantly by Kaho Kato) in this favourite of the young and the young at heart. Amidst the merriment of a family Christmas Eve party she is delighted to receive her very own Nutcracker from the magical Dr Drosselmeyer. She falls fast asleep and launches into adventurous dreams.

Alas, Clara is besieged by rats on the crack of midnight. Fortunately, Clara has the aid of the Nutcracker doll come to life to help her defeat the Rat King, to her great relief. After the battle, the Nutcracker turns into a handsome Prince.

Tchaikovsky’s music carries us along on a ”willing suspension of disbelief” through this adventure. The Queensland Symphony Orchestra play superbly under Music Arranger and Conductor Nigel Gaynor.

The scene then changes to the Kingdom of Sweets (what better place for children?) where the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker perform a grand pas de deux for Clara.

Neneka Yoshida and Patricio Reve as Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince.

What varied dances from around the world are then presented- Spanish, Arabian, Chinese and Russian!

Ivan Surodeev as Gopak – Photo by David Kelly

Finally Clara wakes up from her dreams as the Nutcracker salutes his Princess Carla.

Reviewed by: Matt Foley

Choreographer: Ben Stevenson OBE

Composer : Pyotr Ilych Tachaikovsky

Costume Designer: Desmond Heeley

Lighting Designer: David Walters

Duration: 2 hours including one 20-minute interval