12/13/07

'tis the season!

last night we attended the PNB (Pacific Northwest Ballet) performance of The Nutcracker. one would think we'd be sick of it with the number of times we hear it/play it each year. Turns out it's been 15 or so years since either of us had been - Matt actually has seen the PNB perform it, i never have. We were given tickets by my financial advisor - they were having their christmas event there.

there was a beer/wine/cokes bar, and a number of yummy hors d'ouvers. during the intermission they served coffee/tea and desserts. a few of the girls from the production were there in costume, having pictures taken with children of families. and then after the show we were taken backstage. we could see sets, saw the hall from the perspective of the stage, all that. it was pretty cool.

they are still using the maurice sendak sets. i think they'll use them until they stop dancing that production! it was really incredible! it was fun to hear the children ooh and ahh... there was a little girl behind us and when the 'giant' rat came onstage she was like "oh no!" you couldn't help but smile and giggle! there was a time when i would've been all 'geez mom, teach your child to be quiet during a performance' but this time it was different. it was as if i was watching it for the 1st time, too. i found myself responding just the way the little ones were! kind of like seeing it through their eyes, i guess. the peacock was fantastic (arabian danse) and the pas de deux at the end was just fantastic! one of the things that really impressed me was the very last 'position' they did, she was up on his shoulder. he set her down as the crowd applauded - but he moved her so slowly and gracefully, you didn't even realize he was putting her down until she touched the floor! i'm so glad we went. it was probably the best performance of Nutcracker i've ever seen.