Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker is a real masterpiece that seamlessly blends the class of classical ballet with the vivacious spirit of jazz, creating an unforgettable and enchanting expertise from the second the curtain rises.
Jessica Swan’s idea and libretto breathe new life into a vacation basic below the path of Joshua Bergasse
The manufacturing exudes an air of stylish coolness that instantly attracts the viewers in. The collaboration between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, intertwining classical Nutcracker melodies with the infectious power of jazz, distinguished. The present effortlessly transports viewers to a bygone period whereas infusing it with a contemporary, jazzy, enjoyable, and energetic twist.
Alicia Mae Holloway’s portrayal of Lena is a standout efficiency, bringing her character to life with exceptional grace and childlike innocence. As Lena finds her rhythm and freedom on stage, she turns into the center and soul of the manufacturing. Her delicate and ethereal actions create an phantasm of floating on air, leaving a profound and lasting impression on the viewers’s hearts.
The massive band preparations are a real spectacle, showcasing the splendor and magnificence of jazz in all its glory. The precision and keenness with which the musicians ship every notice fill the theater with a wealthy tapestry of sound, immersing the viewers within the brilliance of the music.
What really units Sugar Hill aside are its funk-infused preparations that convey a up to date edge to the basic Nutcracker melodies. The bass-bottomed coronary heart of the music retains the viewers grooving all through the efficiency, and the swing dance sequences are a visible deal with, capturing the spirit of an period when swing dancing reigned supreme.
The selection to set the present in Harlem provides a layer of historic significance to the efficiency, paying tribute to a time when the neighborhood was a vibrant hub of cultural innovation and inventive expression. The depiction of Harlem throughout its heyday superbly honors the wealthy heritage of the neighborhood.
One notably excellent scene is “No Jazz Allowed” in Scene 1, the place opulence takes middle stage. The visitors, dressed to the nines of their ball robes and tuxedos, sparkle below the lights. This visible feast harks again to a time when an evening in town was a very particular affair, showcasing the eye to element and dedication of the manufacturing workforce.
Along with the normal ballet components, Sugar Hill incorporates a various vary of dance types, together with acrobatic ballet, hip-hop, faucet dancing, African dance, and swing dancing. This fusion of dance varieties provides depth and selection to the efficiency, showcasing the wealthy variety of expertise and influences that outlined Harlem through the Jazz Age.
Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker is a panoramic and unforgettable manufacturing that shouldn’t be missed. Its elegant coolness, distinguished performances, and historic backdrop pay homage to an period when jazz and dance had been on the coronary heart of Harlem’s cultural renaissance. It’s a vacation custom that captures the magic of the season and the timeless enchantment of jazz, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the possibility to expertise the splendor of Sugar Hill and be transported to a world of music and dance that can depart you completely spellbound.
That is the one Nutcracker it’s good to see, it’s wonderful.
Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker runs by way of December 30, 2023 on the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
