The Nutcracker of Different Shapes, Sizes
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Christmas is near, and one of the season's best-known children's tales ``The Nutcracker'' is being brought to life in various ways, including classic ballet, a new musical and even a ``Nutcracker meets B-Boy'' themed performance.
Korea's three best known ballet troupes ― the Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC), the Universal Ballet Company (UBC) and the Seoul Ballet Theater (SBT) ― will offer special performances for their fans.
The KNBC will bring famed choreographer Yuri Grigorovich's version, which has more dynamic movements than any of the others. The ballet master is famous for his intricate detail and difficult steps.
KNBC's Nutcracker will be performed at Seoul Arts Center, from Dec. 25 to 31. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300 (Korean).
The UBC is also bringing The Nutcracker, choreographed by Vasily Vainonen, and the troupe is preparing a special performance to start the New Year. On Dec. 31, the UBC will perform at 10 p.m. and thus share in the festivities to bring in 2009.
While the KNBC focuses on the sophisticated choreography of adult dancers, the UBC will provide more family-oriented entertainment, with more than 40 children appearing in the show.
UBC's version of The Nutcracker will be staged from Dec. 18 to Dec. 31 at the Universal Arts Center. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890.
The SBT has invited ballet dancers from the American Ballet Theater, including Isabella Boylston, Cory Stearns, Leann Underwood and Eric Tamm. The four dancers will join SBT members and offer their version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by the troupe's art director, James Jeon. The SBT's version will be on stage at Seongnam Arts Center from Dec. 19 to 25. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, visit www.ballet.or.kr.
Fans of musicals will also have their share as PMC Productions, the company that brought the non-verbal performance ``Nanta,'' will also produce a version of The Nutcracker.
Along with the original storyline of the friendship between Clara and the Nutcracker, the musical introduces another character, the ``heart fairy,'' who will lead the audience and help young children follow the storyline more easily and with quicker understanding. The musical version of The Nutcracker will be performed at Seoul Kyoyuk Munhwa Hoegwan Theater through Jan. 18, 2009. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.i-pmc.co.kr.
Add the energetic moves of b-boys to the plot, and fans can enjoy the Russian fairy tale with a modern twist. Contemporary dance choreographer Lee Jung-hee is bringing ``B-boys and The Nutcracker'' for those looking for the experimental. Lee promises a breath of fresh air with his fusion of Tchaikovsky's original ``The Nutcracker Suite,'' break-dancing moves and even some magic tricks. B-boys and The Nutcracker will be on stage at the Kaywon High School of Arts Hall from Dec. 20 to 21. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (031) 712-0501 (Korean).
