Friday, December 9, 2011

The Nutcracker. It's Magic!


What do I know about ballet? Nada. Zip.

...but undeterred, I heartily recommend Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker.

I was privileged to attend a preview Friday at the Durham Performing Arts Center - along with 2000 school kids. They were enraptured. Me, too.

I'm thinking that they especially enjoyed two things: watching other children (in really fancy costumes dance) and THE MAGIC.

Carolina Ballet - with sponsorship from Capitol Broadcasting Co. and WRAL TV - has infused the production with illusions developed by Rick Thomas. He's best known for plying his craft in Las Vegas stage shows.

This is a wonderful way to introduce your kids to the performing arts. Click here for info on performances in Durham and Raleigh.

...and check out this report from TV5 News:


...received a backstage tour. I can't reveal what I learned about the magic props, but the costumes are impressive: