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The Nutcracker The Russian State Ballet Of Siberia Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton **** WELL, now I know how the Queen - or maybe
the Tsar - felt on taking a seat in the royal box of a theatre for one
of those command performances. With the Grand virtually sold out for this Sunday
performance of The Nutcracker by the brilliant Russians, I found myself
viewing the action from one of the boxes perched above the orchestra
pit. So what's the problem? Firstly trying to overcome
that self-conscious feeling when you furtively glance out to the
auditorium and hold your breath because everyone seems to be looking at
you and wondering if you are either important, loaded or just a poser. As if struck by an invisible fist I slumped back
into my comfortable seat and did my best to hide behind the box curtain
as the excellent orchestra began to play some of Tchaikovsky's most
beautiful music. Then I discovered some of the benefits and snags
of being so close to one side of the stage. First the bad news - there's
a corner of the stage you can't see, no matter how hard you crane your
neck. But the good news is you have a wonderful
close-up view of the dancers, you can see their expressions, even spot
them in the wings as they prepare to come on, and you could count the
wooden nutcracker's teeth as well as the King Mouse's whiskers! And
should your attention drift from the stage, you can stare at various
members of the orchestra. The Nutcracker is a great ballet, normally around
Christmas time but welcome any time. And the Russians do it justice with
outstanding individual performances as well as delightful work from the
corps de ballet. The company stage Romeo and Juliet on 21-03-11
night and end their visit to the Black Country with Swan Lake on
22-03-11. Paul Marston
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