REVIEW: ‘Clara & the Nutcracker’ is Clever Holiday Fun @ Talespinner Children’s Theatre

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Clara & the Nutcracker, now onstage at Talespinner Children’s Theatre, bills itself as “less about Tchaikovsky, tights, and tutus, and more about truth.” Clara is there, the Nutcracker is there and even the Mice King and all his minions make an appearance — but this is not your typical Nutcracker show. There is no ballet, no orchestra… just some compelling storytelling.

The production, all-in-all, is clever. The show kicks off with director Alison Garrigan taking the stage and thanking the audience for their support. It all seems to be a normal “thanks for coming” speech until she is interrupted by someone offstage, alerting her that the (fictional) ballet and orchestra is stuck at the airport until Tuesday, leaving the play in turmoil. After all, how can you perform The Nutcracker without the dancing and classical tunes? What will they do? Mild panic ensues until the actors “figure out” what to do — follow the book and act it out accordingly.

And seemingly the show goes on. The kids in the audience were delighted to watch the “scrambling” actors who, of course, insisted they could, just possibly, still do the show — but only with a little help from the audience. And the audience obliged, helping out with an array of sound effects (which all kids seem to love providing).

We are then treated to a stripped-down yet still magical performance of The Nutcracker that tells the traditional tale of Clara getting the Nutcracker, but also gives some backstory on how, exactly, this Nutcracker came to be. The music is there but instead of being provided by an orchestra, it’s hummed in the background or played in intervals on a xylophone. Music, dancing — they all take a backseat to the story.

As always, TCT accomplishes a lot with a little. Six actors comprise the roles of Clara, Uncle Drosselmeyer, Grandmama, the Sugar Plum Faerie, Fritz, Mouse King and Queen, Snowflake King and Queen, Papa, Mama and the Nutcracker. Costumes are whimsical and, as always, a variety of intricate masks are used.

Even if you’ve seen The Nutcracker a million times, Talespinner puts a different twist on the classic tale. It is less formal and more accessible; less serious and more silly. It’s an enjoyable holiday treat for all ages.

Clara & the Nutcracker runs through Sun 12/21 at the Reinberger Auditorium.

http://talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org

 

 

Cool Cleveland editor Sarah Valek studied art and writing at Ithaca College. After graduation, she came back to Cle and served two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She can be found on all sides of the city. Contact her at CoolEditor@CoolCleveland.com or via Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

Cleveland, OH 44102

Cleveland, OH 44102

 

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