Experiencing 75 minutes of magic through the eyes of Clara and The Nutcracker, improvised from the original Nutcracker. This performance at the Gateway Theatre is made possible through the collaboration of Gateway Entertainment and P’ART 1 Design Pte Ltd.
For those who are familiar with the original performance, Nutcracker, knows that it is a two-act ballet, originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with a score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is adapted from E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by Alexandre Dumas. This ballet is usual staged during Christmas season. Instead of ballet, this version is presented through modern dance and magic hence easily understood by all age groups.
What we love about this performance is that, it is highly entertaining for the young and old since who doesn’t love magic show. We love the novel idea of adding magic into a story offering more space for one’s imagination and fantasy.
In the nutcracker, beside a 10-member strong dance ensemble, there are various impressive props such as a submarine, airplane and even a helicopter. Bright neon-coloured Avant-garde costumes designed for the dancers were attractive however I find there is room for improvement on the workmanship.
A handful of other components which we love were, first, the performers went to the audience, therefore, the mood of the show at the floor were very much felt. The first of such was at the scene of the fight with the Mouse King. Some mouse ‘attacked’ from the back of theatre. As for the second, I will leave it to you to find out by watching the performance.
Next, there were lots of surprise elements. One of which was after some mini squeaky mouse toys suddenly appeared from nowhere. I didn’t notice when and how these get to the audience. The next is truly amazing. I was Wowed by this marvellous idea the moment they ‘danced’ around the audience. For now, I would keep mom. In addition, there was a 4D effect, of the drizzle felt.
At the intermittent, there is even participation from the audience. The magician, Lawrence, went among the audience in the first row to get the kids to participate with him and finally among them he chose one to go on stage. So if you want your kid to be selected on stage, purchase the front row seats.
Finally, was a little flaw which. After a long-distance run, escaping from the mouse king, upon entering the magical forest, Clara and The Nutcracker showed no sign of panting and tireness. I felt that they should enact this element in their expression before moving on to explore the beauty of the forest.
NAHMJ Verdict
I love the idea of weaving magic into a storyline hence increasing the appreciation for this arts. Furthermore, what make this performance outstanding is bringing the mood closer to the audience. Plus the 4-D effect and surprises one after another. I will certainly recommend The Nutcracker to all.
The Nutcracker
A Spectacular Magic Extravaganza, starring World renown Magician, the father and daugther, Lawrence and Priscilla
Website: https://nutcracker.gateway.sg/
Availability
25 August 2017 to 10 September 2017 – Thursdays – Fridays 2000 | Saturdays 1430, 2000 | Sundays 1700, 2000
Ticket pricing: $88, $68, $48 available through Sistic
Getting There
By Bus:
- At or opp Bukit Merah Town Centre along Jalan Bukit Merah 14, 147, 196, 197, 955, 961
- At Bukit Merah Interchange 5, 16, 57, 123, 131, 132, 139, 153, 167, 176, 198, 272, 273, 275, 851
- Before or after Bukit Merah Central along Henderson Road 145
*Disclaimer: The writer was sponsored a ticket for Nutcracker.
