When TRIO! still showed filmed stage shows on their channel, I caught this one Christmas. I would consider myself a Nutcracker purist, but this production was utterly superb. With gorgeous choreography and direction by Matthew Bourne, this Dickensian version of The Nutcracker soars from stage to screen.
Beginning in a Tim Burton-esquire orphanage, we find Clara and her fellow orphans preparing for a Christmas party thrown by their evil, although comical, head master and mistress: Dr. Cross and Matron. The world shifts in power as the classic moment of Nutcracker reality is played out as only Bourne could provide and their Nightmare Before Christmas home becomes a swirling utopia of tulle, glitter and Victoria's Secret pink.
The wonderful thing about this production is that it provides an outlet for those who are not a) comfortable with ballet or b) not accustomed to the story. Bourne's choreography and the wonderful, funny, and warm performances of the cast are very theatrical. A combination of mime and dance, if you will. It is the perfect version to share with friends who are not dance-literate.
Gorgeous and lush from beginning, this is a version not to be passed up.
