When Morris premiered The Hard Nut at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, most people did not know what to think. The Review I found from the New York Times on December 16, 1993, written by Jennifer Dunning shows insight into audience's initial reactions. One (9-year-old) critic aclaimed, "It was weird. But I loved it!" The ballet would definitely be a weird experience for anyone already familiar with Balanchine's version of "The Nutcracker." The piece is set in a "nightmarish American home in the 1960's and inserts a confusing subpolot from the story by E. T. A. Hoffman on which "The Nutcracker" was based. And there is almost no bravura classical dance." Dunning claims, what makes "The Hard Nut" so lovable and indispensable, is a sweetness and spaciousness very much like its traditional Tchaikovsky score. Morris's portrayal of Drosselmeier is part of the production that really makes it it's own. "Growing up is a frightening, lonely adventure whose promise is worth the journey. And that journey may find its reward in love, as expressed in a simple buoyant duet that follows for the Nutcracker and little Marie Stahlbaum, Mr. Morris's truehearted heroine, a dance filled with kisses deep enough to satisfy young fans of television's "90210" but not offend their parents." Dunning's choice of words here really express the effectiveness of Morris's show.
The review is not all good things, Dunning claims "some of the second-act choreography is on the thin side, though Mr. Morris is also his unassuming, inventive best in this act.
"But in the end, what makes all this weirdness and lovableness important is that "The Hard Nut" -- for all its pudgy unisex snowflakes in trotterlike toe-shoes, its timid mouse-battling G.I. Joe soldiers, its Jell-O colored party cocktails, and on and on -- takes a serious new look at an old classic."-- which is exactly what Mark Morris is.
The Hard Nut
Dunning, Jennifer. ""Hard Nut" Rethinking by Mark Morris." New York Times 16 Dec 1993: 1. Web. 05 Dec 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/16/arts/review-dance-hard-nut-rethinking-by-mark-morris.html?pagewanted=2>.
I would love to see this in person! I commend Mark Morris for his ambition and versatility. I think thats what makes him so interesting to audience members...they never know exactly what they're going to get, which to me is really refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of the hard nut is extremely creative and I would love to know how the dancers felt being in such a piece. Its truly remarkable!
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