George Balanchine's The Nutcracker - G
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this production of the Nutcracker Suite sparkles with that magical Christmas feeling, but some kids may get bored with the longer dance scenes (especially in Act II). Keep in mind there's no dialogue in this traditional ballet except for Kevin Kline's hushed narration, and don't expect any Home Alone-style antics from Macaulay Culkin, who plays a proper little gentleman. The story does have some mildly scary scenes, most of which are brief. In the scariest scene, the Nutcracker Prince battles the multi-headed Mouse King in a gore-free choreographed sword fight. Kids and parents who enjoy dance will appreciate this fine production by the fabulous New York City Ballet.
Families can discuss how Tchaikovsky's music helps tell the story. What types of instruments are playing during the darker, scarier scenes? What types of instruments are playing during the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and why does the melody fit the scene so well? How do the dancers use their bodies and facial expressions to tell a story, without speaking?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen Dendy
Choreographed by the renowned George Balanchine and danced beautifully by the New York City Ballet, this fine production of THE NUTCRACKER dazzles the eyes and ears despite a flat performance by Macaulay Culkin as the Nutcracker Prince.
There's plenty of eye candy for kids of all ages (the sets drip with Christmas decorations and fanciful scenery), and the storyline should keep most kids interested, up to a point. If your young one really loves to dance, then they may enjoy the entire 92 minutes, but kids with short attention spans -- or those who aren't the least bit interested in dancing -- may wander off to search for hidden presents.
Kids who've never seen a ballet may be surprised at this dialogue-free holiday tale, but Kevin Kline's hushed narration makes it easy to follow the story. In the first act, the storyline moves along, and the camera movement puts viewers in the scene as young Marie (Jessica Lynn Cohen) celebrates Christmas Eve with her family. The magic begins when Marie's mysterious godfather, Drosselmeier (Bart Robinson Cook), introduces her to his extraordinary nephew (Macaulay Culkin) and gives her a nutcracker, which her naughty little brother breaks.
When the party ends and all the kids are tucked in, Marie sneaks down to the living room to be with her beloved, broken nutcracker. And so begins a fantastic dream scene filled with life-sized toy soldiers, giant mice, dancing candy canes, whirling snowflakes, and, of course, the graceful Sugar Plum Fairy.
This is a solid production of the Nutcracker ballet. With its sets trimmed with colorful Christmas decorations and a storyline centered on children and Christmas, it's a fine way to introduce kids to ballet and classical music. But just as the art of ballet is lost on some adults, some kids may lose interest, especially midway through Act II when various characters do their special dances for the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Families who like this movie may also like A Muppet Family Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Rate It!
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ViolenceThe Nutcracker Prince kills the multi-headed Mouse King in a non-graphic, choreographed sword fight. |
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Social BehaviorFriends and families come together to celebrate the holidays; Drosselmeier's nephew is the model of politeness in contrast to his rowdy peers. |
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