The Nutcracker is a holiday staple and one of the most famous ballets in history. The World Ballet Company production of The Nutcracker is able to preserve what audiences expect and want from the story, while successfully adding the company’s own creative flourishes. Equally of note is that the production is geared toward those less familiar with ballet, which turns out to be its biggest strength.

Telling any story without a single line of dialogue is a challenge. Ballet requires plot to be communicated through facial expression and body language, and this version of The Nutcracker generally succeeds in that respect. The audience is able to follow along with the story of young Marie through the first act—though the plot of The Nutcracker is such that the second act is more of a celebration than a conclusion. The tour program also includes a convenient synopsis of both parts. This great level of accessibility, both on-stage and off, means that the viewer can focus more fully on the performances instead of the plot specifics. For Nutcracker purists, all the important numbers are there, but this isn’t a step-by-step recreation.

Soloist Polina Marushina is a standout in the central role of Marie, conveying the childlike innocence the part requires while also imbuing her character with poise and grace. Another notable performance comes from Haruka Nomura, portraying both Fairy and Columbine with fantastic charisma. It should be noted that the cast changes regularly, so roles are played by different performers on different dates; it’s no surprise that Nomura has also portrayed the role of Marie on other occasions. Both she and Marushina have a natural ability to connect with the audience that elevates the entire production.

The World Ballet Company production of The Nutcracker thrives less on technicality and more on personality. The ballet numbers themselves are beautiful, particularly in the second act as characters from around the world appear in the grand celebration. But the audience doesn’t have to follow every step. Instead, the appeal comes from the hand-painted sets and hand-sewn costumes that pop visually, some of which are intentionally over the top to create larger than life characters. This is a visual spectacle, and that’s what makes it unique. It’s also what makes it worthwhile for a broader audience. They may not catch all the intricacies of the ballet, but they can enjoy the color on stage and the color that the company brings to their roles.

The Mouse King and his army may startle younger audiences with their ferocious costumes when they appear, especially when one of the mice comes briefly off the stage and into the front row. There are also a few times when there’s a gap between a dancer appearing on stage and the start of a music cue, creating tiny pauses of silence that break up the flow of the production. But overall, this version of The Nutcracker is a far more universal experience because of the World Ballet Company’s creative staging. The company creates a welcoming environment for viewers of all ages so that they can have a positive experience. While the story of The Nutcracker is faithfully retold, this one stands out for having more fun with it.

For upcoming The Nutcracker tour dates and more information on World Ballet Company, visit their website. Photo Credits: Courtesy of World Ballet Company.

Article content is (c)2020-2025 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.