When: Fri., Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10-11, 2 & 6 p.m., Fri., Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 18, 2 & 6 p.m. 2011
Although Nutcracker is one of the most classic cases of holiday ballet, it takes more than a tutu and pointe shoes to properly pull off the production. NC Dance Theatre does it right with choreography by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, iconic Pyotr Tchaikovsky scores performed live by the Charlotte Symphony, colorful (and flaky) props, and a carefully costumed cast of dancers pirouetting an impressive number of footwork feats. Not to mention, the storyline is bizarre in itself - a mysterious caped man gives his young goddaughter a nutcracker that comes to life, only to attract the lovely sugar plum fairy and an evil mouse king with an entourage of loyally rambunctious rodents.
— Anita Overcash