One of my favorite ways to feel so immersed in the Christmas spirit is to go and see a performance of The Nutcracker. It is such a classic, and no matter you who are, you can’t help but love it!
The good people at South Coast Plaza were nice enough to gift us with two tickets to The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The timing was super amazing because it was our 4 year wedding anniversary, and we had been hearing raves about The Nutcracker, and wanted to go!
Every single time I see The Nutcracker I fall more and more in love with it. I love how it is crafted to show personality in each character. We laughed at all of the children and parents in the hustle and bustle of Christmas eve, and felt for the young girl (Clara) when she feels lost in her dreamlike world.
Probably one of the best things about this performance of The Nutcracker is that the music is Tchaikovsky (husband’s favorite). While I am on the subject of music-holy smokes, the Pacific Symphony is incredible. I could feel the music, the emotions attached to it. It was beautiful. We are still talking about how amazing it was.
I loved the choreography. It was playful, dreamy, alive, energetic, and kept me on the edge of my seat hoping it never ended! One thing that we noticed in this performance was how the director chose to make the nutcracker “alive” much earlier on than past versions we had seen. We loved seeing the talented young girl dance with a “real live” nutcracker, more than just a doll. Plus the sets and costumes where phenomenal. I was amazed by them, they were in themselves worth going and seeing the show. (Every time a new dancer came out in a new outfit, I leaned over to Beau and said, “no wait this one is my favorite.”)
I feel as if this is one of the very few shows that younger children can come to, sit through it, and not only enjoy it, but follow along! I have memories of going and seeing The Nutcracker when I was young, and I cannot wait to start this tradition with my children.
Somehow after the show, we pulled off being cool enough to go to the after party for the cast members. It was held at the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza, and sponsored by Tiffany & Co. as well as, BMW. If you have not been to South Coast Plaza during the Holiday season, I beg you-GO. It is gorgeous.
We were able to get some delicious food, and some super gourmet desserts (even gelato!). The best part was being in the same place as so many talented and hard working people. It was inspiring just to be there! All of these talented dancers that we spoke to, were from other parts of the country and so happy to be touring through the Segerstrom Center! We could really tell the cast and crew of The Nutcracker loves what they do, and it more than shows in their performance.
It’s not too late to get your tickets to The Nutcracker! Hurry up and experience the ultimate boost of Christmas cheer!
With two of the performers: the little mouse on the right, and the brother (Fritz) on my left
