The Nutcracker and the Mouse King

Tchaikovsky's music is retained in the Dutch National Ballet's staging of this much-loved 1892 perennial, as is the general scenario fashioned after E.T.A. Hoffmann's tale. But Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling have transferred the action to 1810 Amsterdam and replaced the standard Christmas party with Dutch celebrations occurring on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. While keeping virtually all of the individual numbers of The Nutcracker, the creators have newly choreographed the work (without reference to Marius Petipa's original) and refashioned the dream divertissement of Act II to include the reappearance of characters from Act I (thus Clara's grown-up brother, Fritz, who was captured by the Mouse King, is now seen as a prisoner during the Arabian Dance). The end result isn't preferable to a more traditional performance—especially Peter Wright's fine staging at London's Royal Opera House (VL-3/11)—but it boasts a charm all its own, with a few touches (skaters on the ice of the city's canals, Mr. Drosselmeijer's magic lantern) that are both unique and beguiling. And the dancing—by Anna Tsygankova as Clara, Matthew Golding as the Prince, and James Stout as the Nutcracker—is excellent. The orchestra sounds a bit recessed, but the Holland Symfonia plays with spirit under Ermanno Florio. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended. (F. Swietek)