Ben Stevenson's NUTCRACKER is EPIC and if it was their choice to retire it, this company should have offered this masterpiece on BluRay...BAD decision not to release this Stanton Welch...even if company members volunteered their perfomances...THANKS "B Long" for posting this lifetime memorable production...as I lost my good friend who introduced me to THE NUTCRACKER last year.
I had never seen this version of The Nutcracker before, but after watching this video, I wholeheartedly agree. This is simply one of the best Nutcrackers I have ever seen. My favorite version has always been Balanchine's because his is so musically sensitive and captures the pure essence of the story. Stevenson's choreography is equally musical, combined with clear and vivid storytelling and characterization. What's more, nothing feels derivative, which is quite a feat for such a ubiquitous ballet. I looked it up, and it seems Stevenson's version is still being performed: at Texas Ballet Theatre in DFW, where Stevenson is now Artistic Director.
THIS is the Nutcracker i remember and love. thank you for posting this! after seeing this version often from 12 years old to the time it was retired (i'm 41 now), the new ballet changes too much of the story, costumes, and characters. the new version is too chaotic and cramped onto the stage. i don't know where to look, plus the dolls are creepy and the anachronisms are distracting. i for one would have LOVED to purchase the Ben Stevenson version (there could also have been a Nutty Nutcracker as a bonus) before it was retired.
This was by far and away the best choreography to the Nutcracker, ever. I am SO sad that Houston did a new rendition and have been feeling heartbroken that there wasn't a way to watch Ben's version. Thank you so much for sharing this!!
Saw his version many times, and I have yet to see the new one. I saw both Janie Parker (seen in this film) and Lauren Anderson perform this. I met Janie, and she was such a doll... she complimented me, and said I looked like I belonged on the stage with her.
in one of my first Houston Ballet Nutcrackers, Li Cunxin was the Nutcracker Prince! being season ticket holders, we were also there when Lauren Anderson performed her last Sugar Plum Fairy :)
