Advent Activity: Best. Show. Ever.

Yesterday, we took the kiddos to see the New England Ballet Company's performance of The Nutcracker, only their second live theater performance (after a puppet show of Goodnight Moon; concerts of Laurie Berkner and Imagination Movers don't count.).  They'd seen part of the ballet in school and watched some of Pacific Northwest's version on dvd.  And so, after talking to to them about theater culture (blinking the lights to send you to your seat; intermissions) and etiquette (no talking or getting up; go to the bathroom beforehand), we dressed in our holiday best--Sis in her new red tulle over black skirt tutu-like holiday dress and Bud in a button-down shirt with reindeer sweater--we headed to the theater.  Yep, me too.  Because this particular theater has boxes set aside for people with disabilities--large empty spaces at the back of the theater with movable seats primarily for people using wheelchairs but perfect for me to pace in with no one behind me and lie down in the extra seats pulled together.   Sis, Bud, and Mama sat in real seats right in front of me.  It was beyond perfect and I sniffled through the whole first act, having never thought I could go to the theater again in the near future, which was a loss because Mama and I love musicals.  It was perfect.

I also sniffled for other reasons, being a sniffler.  I remember the last time I went to The Nutcracker, the only other time actually.  I was probably 7 or 8.  Gommie and her friend, dear Miss Betty (who died a few years ago), and maybe another adult though I'm not sure, took me and the other neighborhood kids (Aunt Banana, do you remember this at all?  Was I older?  Were you there?) to Houston's fancy Jones Hall to see the ballet.  I felt so grown up being in that big theater and the performance was beautiful and magical.  I bought a small red Nutcracker to hang on the Christmas tree that I still have.

And I was so glad that the kids were getting to see the show.  They're interested in the story and love to dance around the house.  More than that, I hope that going to the ballet (though, it's our least favorite performing art), musicals, the opera, plays, the symphony become a regular part of our lives.  Especially with Broadway, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall not so far away.

This production was perfect for us.  Small, local, child-friendly.  Colorful, vibrant costumes.   Loud, fast-paced score (Tchaikovsky on speed!).  And with a large children's cast, including two of their little friends from Daisies, that they could identify with.  Bud liked the Mouse King best, and even bought a Mouse King nutcracker.  Sis liked the finale when they all danced together.  I liked the Waltz of the Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers.  Basically any scene with the corps de ballet and a principal.  And the whole score.   Mama, well, I think Mama was caught up in all the body and gender issues inherent in the art art form.

When it concluded, Sis yawned and stretched (she was bored by all the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her cavalier), but Bud proclaimed it, "The best show ever!"

We celebrated afterwards with a run to Pinkberry, the tony frozen yogurt place. Chocolate with M&Ms, peppermint with chocolate, mango with fruit, original with fruit, almonds, and mochi.  And then we danced and hummed the rest of the evening away . . . .

Next year, Lincoln Center and Balanchine.