Wolverhampton Grand and touring
**** “ A warm fusion of jazz and classics”
It is still Christmas, and it is still The Nutcracker, but not quite as we know it. We are transported courtesy of Carlos Acosta to Cuba. The story is there a party in downtown in Havana for a wealthy family, the presents are dished out and Clara is delighted with her lifelike Nutcracker. The party goes with a jazzy swing the partygoers depart and the lights are dimmed. Then of course The Nutcracker, together with some pesky mice come to life and so Clara’s incredible night-time adventure begins. And there the story sort of peters out, the second act is pretty much taken up with some superb party piece routines over in the Kingdom of Sweets.
The feeling of fusion is tangible throughout, Latin, and classical, sultry and snow, tutus, and clogs. The music arrangements are masterful, and the setting and video projections are cleverly interwoven but not thankfully overused.
The spotlight on the principals in the second half doesn’t disappoint some very nice new twists courtesy of the various routines whether its Spanish, Arabic or Cossack, all full of energy and hugely watchable. There is a real sense of cheekiness and fun throughout clog dancing and dashing around a maypole are both done with a big smile as well as a lot of skill.
It is heart-warming experience and manages with sharp dexterity to be loyal to the Havana sound as well as being alert to very traditional festive classical ballet. The fusion works.
David Robinson
The Nutcracker in Havana is on national tour
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