The Moscow Ballet returns the Palace Theater for a matinee performance of “The Nutcracker” Saturday, Nov. 29. “It’s a great show,” said Sean Allen, marketing director for The Palace. “The Moscow Ballet does a wonderful job. … We always get wonderful responses to it.” The dance group has made the former RKO movie palace a regular stop on their annual tour over the past several years. The group’s publicist recognizes the Capital District’s appreciation for the arts, and ballet in particular. In years past, the show has been an evening affair. However, the ballet’s Saturday performance is scheduled for 3 p.m., which should allow for “varied audiences,” said Allen. Already, ticket sales reflect that more families, young and old, are taking advantage of the earlier time. “It’s a wonderful performance to take the family,” said Allen. “Something for kids, parents, grandparents, all to enjoy.” The popular Christmas story has a long history associated with Russia since its debut in St. Petersburg more than 100 years ago. The story itself was penned by a German novelist, E.T.A. Hoffman, and the performance was set to ballet by French dance teacher, Marius Petipa. However, the ballet’s prolonged popularity is due in large part to the music of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The production in 1892 was considered a flop, but Tchaikovsky’s 20-minute suite has since developed into a staple holiday music theme.
Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” tells the story of the girl who falls in love with her Nutcracker Prince on Christmas eve – with a lot of Russian flair. Award-winning principal dancers Ekaterina Bortiakova and Akzhol Mussakhanov perform as heroine Masha and the Nutcracker Prince, with the company of 40 dancers. The principal dancers represent a sampling of the best performers in the world.
Bortiakova has been described by critics as the “epitome of a classical ballerina.” Her partner, Mussakhanov, is a native of Kazakhstan and laureate of several prestigious International Ballet Competitions. This tour also represents soloist Yuliya Aleinik’s premier in North America. She is considered among the top international ballerinas. There are a few, notable variations to the Moscow Ballet’s adaptation of “The Nutcracker.” The production is said to maintain the class tradition and story line; however, the second act takes place at the Land of Peace and Harmony instead of a visit to the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a nod to the ballet’s overall mission of promoting international peace and harmony, as it continues to perform for audiences worldwide since the end of the Cold War. The production will also feature a five-story tall growing Christmas tree, along with nine hand–painted backdrops made in Russia – one of which is Rousseau-inspired piece for the Land of Peace and Harmony scene. Also of note is the presence of the Dove of Peace, portrayed by two dancers, each with one, 20-foot-long wing. Tickets start at $30 each, with groups of 10 or more and Girl Scout troops receiving discounts, by calling 800-320-1733. Seniors 65 and older, military and AAA discounts are also available at the theater box office with appropriate identification. Tickets go to www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets.