As the countdown to Christmas fast approaches, Queensland Ballet’s stunning presentation of The Nutcracker has arrived to unwrap the festive season in style. Queensland Ballet has been dazzling audiences with this iconic festive staple by Ben Stevenson OBE since 2013, featuring all the beloved characters alongside Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Set on Christmas Eve, The Nutcracker follows Clara, a young girl who receives a magical Nutcracker doll from Dr Drosselmeyer at her parents’ Christmas party. That night, she is whisked away on a fantastical journey with her Nutcracker-turned-prince. They travel to the Land of Snow and the enchanting Kingdom of Sweets, where she meets a host of colourful characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Every step of The Nutcracker was a treat, with the company dancing their way straight into the holiday spirit. The dancers brought charm, humour and energy to the opening party scene, and it was heartening to see such a large group of young ballet students joining the cast on stage. As Clara, Kaho Kato perfectly encapsulated the innocence of childhood. Her girlish characterisations expertly contrasted with her rascal brother Fritz, cheekily brought to life by Luke DiMattina. All the generations of the family were represented, with the older characters bringing the most humour, led by a standout performance from Rian Thompson as Grandfather. The four life-sized dolls were captivating to watch, in particular, Libby-Rose Niederer and her impressive footwork as the Nurse Doll. As Dr Drosselmeyer, Vito Bernasconi was commanding in his full black cape and clever, sleight-of-hand tricks. Alongside Thomas Boyd’s luscious Christmas set design, which included a Christmas tree that grew like a beanstalk as the magic took hold, the entire party sequence was a joy to watch.
Act One culminated in the Land of Snow sequence, beautifully danced by a beaming Chiara Gonzalez and Kohei Iwamoto as the Snow Queen and Snow Prince. They were surrounded by gently falling glitter and the Snowflake dancers, who floated across the stage in full tulle skirts as soft as spun sugar, perfectly capturing the delicate magic of a winter wonderland.
Act Two marked the arrival in the Land of Sweets, where a series of spectacular dances were performed in Clara’s honour. This is where much of the ballet’s renowned music was featured, and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, led by Nigel Gaynor, delivered the goods. Each dance sequence was a festive delight, and special mention must go to the hypnotic Arabian Dancers Vanessa Morelli and D’Arcy Brazier; their lifts were outstanding. Seth Marshall brought a fun energy to Mother Ginger, complete with a huge skirt that housed the lively young Ginger Nuts. Desmond Heeley’s costumes were a feast for the eyes, from the sparkling tutus to the whimsical, larger-than-life designs.
The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the appearance of her Nutcracker Prince, played by Neneka Yoshida and Patricio Revé, was eagerly anticipated. Their solos and grand pas de deux were a breathtaking display of grace and strength, and they glided across the stage with effortless precision. The story wrapped up with Clara drifting off to sleep while her Nutcracker, played by Edison Manuel, saluted his princess.
The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition that continues to enchant audiences year after year. With stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and a magical score, it is a festive feast for the senses. The Nutcracker is a timeless reminder of the joy, wonder, and beauty of the season, and Queensland Ballet’s production will leave hearts aglow long after the curtain falls. Grab one of the remaining tickets before they disappear – this is a holiday treat too sweet to miss!
The Nutcracker is on at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC until 21 December 2024
Sarah Skubala
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Coppélia (Qld Ballet) – dance review
- Cinderella (Qld Ballet) – dance review
- Bespoke (Qld Ballet) – dance review
Sarah Skubala is a freelance writer and has lived in Highgate Hill for several years. Originally from Adelaide, Sarah has a background in library work and musical publicity. She co-executive produced the award winning short film Down To Earth and has written a comedy short screenplay. She is currently working on a web series and a novella. Sarah is a fixture in West End and can be found wherever there is good coffee and cheap books.