Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video Support PBS Shop PBS Search PBS

December 7th, 2008
Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker
Introduction

San Francisco Ballet makes the beloved Nutcracker its own, resetting it during the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exhibition and introducing Dance in America viewers to the dazzling Maria Kochetkova and Davit Karapetyan.

Watch a preview:

Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.

Recorded last December by KQED Public Television to help commemorate the company’s 75th anniversary, the work is choreographed by Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson and features sets and costumes by, respectively, Michael Yeargan and Martin Pakledinaz, both repeat Tony Award-winning designers. “Striking, elegant and beautiful,” assessed The New York Times.

Introduced by Olympic champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, a native of the Bay Area and winner of this year’s Dancing with the Stars, the production premieres in high definition and 5.1 surround sound Wednesday, December 17 at 8 p.m. (ET) on GREAT PERFORMANCES on PBS (check local listings). San Francisco Ballet Music Director and Principal Conductor Martin West conducts Tchaikovsky’s sprightly score.

“I have grown up with this wonderful company,” says Yamaguchi. “It was with them that my mom, Carole, took me to my first Nutcracker. Pretty impressive for a little girl, with all that magic and sparkle, thrilling music and those costumes! I think that’s when I fell in love with performing. Next year, I’ll be taking my little girls, 5 and 3, to their first production.”

In addition to the Russian-trained Kochetkova, a recent recruit from English National Ballet, as the adult Clara and the athletic yet lyrical Armenian-born Karapetyan as her cavalier prince, the large cast includes Damian Smith as Uncle Drosselmeyer and Pierre-François Vilanoba and Yuan Yuan Tan as the Snow King and Snow Queen. Vanessa Zahorian is the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dance in America viewers will remember Yuan Yuan Tan for her stunning portrayal of Desdemona in Lar Lubovitch’s Othello from San Francisco Ballet (2002).

The ballet, which was first performed in Russia in 1892, holds a special significance for San Francisco Ballet, America’s oldest professional ballet company. It had its U.S. premiere there in 1944.

Tchaikovsky’s beguiling score is one of the most popular pieces of music ever written. Think “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Waltz of the Snowflakes.” Inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 story, The Nutcracker and The Mouse King, it was first proposed to Tchaikovsky by legendary choreographer Marius Petipa as a follow-up to Tchaikovsky’s other successful ballets at Russia’s famed Mariinsky Theatre: Swan Lake (1877) and The Sleeping Beauty (1890). The composer began work on it in 1891.

The work premiered at the Mariinsky in December of the following year, with choreography by Lev Ivanov, taking over for an indisposed Petipa. The ballet completed a double bill, appearing with Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta. Reviews were disappointing for both. While Tchaikovsky thought much of Iolanta, he felt the ballet score was not among his best work. Some 115 years, countless performances, and myriad LPs and CDs later, many would disagree.

San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker was recorded on stage in performance at the War Memorial Opera House December 19 and 21, 2007. It is a co-production of San Francisco Ballet and KQED Public Television San Francisco, in association with Thirteen/WNET New York. Past co-productions of the triad include San Francisco Ballet’s The Tempest, A Song for Dead Warriors, Cinderella, and Lar Lubovitch’s Othello.

Matthew Diamond (Dance in America’s Emmy Award-winning Swan Lake with American Ballet Theatre; GREAT PERFORMANCES’ Crazy for You) directs; Judy Flannery (GREAT PERFORMANCES’ Emmy Award-winning A Streetcar Named Desire From the San Francisco Opera) produced. Michael Isip is Executive Producer for KQED.

An expanded version of San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, featuring additional behind-the-scenes interviews with the production’s creators and a background piece on the 1915 World’s Fair, is available on DVD from Opus Arte/Naxos of America.

Major corporate funding for this telecast was provided by First Republic Bank, a division of Merrill Lynch Bank & Trust, Co.

GREAT PERFORMANCES is funded by the Irene Diamond Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, Vivian Milstein, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, public television viewers, and PBS.  Special funding for the telecast was provided by Jim and Cecilia Herbert & Family. Additional support was provided by The Flora Family Foundation and members of the San Francisco Ballet’s 75th Anniversary Sponsors Council: major sponsors include the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, The Hellman Family, and Yurie and Carl Pascarella; with additional sponsors including Stuart Francis and Diana Stark; Stephen and Margaret Gill Family Foundation; Cecilia and Jim Herbert; George Frederick Jewett Foundation, Lucille Jewett, Trustee; Barbara Ravizza and John Osterweis; Kathleen Scutchfield; The Smelick Family; The Swanson Foundation; Ms. Susan A. Van Wagner; E.L. Wiegand Foundation; Diane B. Wilsey; and Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang.

Bookmark    Print    Email    Comment/s (55)

(46 votes)
Loading ... Loading ...

Comments

55 comments

#1

Is this the same S.F. Ballet Company that did the completely engrossing and entertaining all male Cinderella several, as in many, years ago I think also shown on PBS?
How I would love to see that again too.

#2

Will the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker be repeated and when? I want to view it but cannot watch tonight and am unable to record it.

#3

This is a beautiful performance. I highly recommend it to anyone. Our family, took part in our own local Nutcracker performance this year. We will never forget it. I hope to order this performance for our family to watch again.

#4

Wonderful, wonderful performance of our most dear Nutcracker Ballet. I LOVE the tie to the 1915 world’s fair in San Francisco. It all seems so very appropriate and this performance was so very well done!! Thank you!!

#5

I found the San Francisco production of Nutcracker excellent and fascinating. Unfortunately, I lost the second half and wonder if it will be broadcast again, this year or next. If not scheduled, please consider it as it is worth the repetition. Thank you. ST

#6

Magnificent! A beautiful production. We loved it! Thank you, thank you.

#7

Absolutely fabulous production. I have not seen the Russian ballet productions, but this has to be the most imaginative and most beautiful one I have ever seen in America.

#8

This is the loveliest production I have ever seen! I was mesmerized…..

#9

how do i get a copy? I took my step daughter to a rendition here in Reno, and we have made it our tradition. This performance was incredible and I want to give it to her for Christmas 2008….where and how do i do that?

#10

I never grow tired of the Nutcracker, but the San Francisco Ballet has made it new again. The dancing is delightful and the sets and costumes are delightful in every way. Thank you to PBS for airing this truly wonderful performance!

#11

I’VE GROWN UP WATCHING THE NUTCRACKER. THIS WAS THE BEST PRODUCTION I’VE SEEN. I WAS AMAZED FROM THE SET TO THE PERFORMANCE ITSELF. WONDERFUL

#12

I loved the show! It was so beautiful.

#13

I watched this last night and it was so beautiful but I was not able to see it in its entirety. Thank you for airing it as it was such a treat and please play again if you’re able!

#14

We have watched the Nutcracker since our daughter was a little ballerina. This is probably the best interpretation we have ever seen. Thank you.

#15

That was The Best version of The Nutcracker I have ever seen. The sets, costumes, choreography, dancers – it was just magnificent. Plus rerun it often this Xmas season – and seasons to come.

#16

Absolutely stunning – one of the loveliest!

#17

Please, can we have an encore showing! Awesome

#18

Absolutely stunning, I was moved to tears several times, it’s rare that a recorded performance captures the artistry and beauty that faithfully.

#19

Magnificent, Amazing, Incredible…there aren’t enough words!

#20

I was unable to watch or record this production and I would like to know if it will be on air again.

#21

I loved this performance. It was amazing, I am a male ballet dancer. I had ballet practice and couldn’t view the whole thing. All I say was Maria Kotchetkova;s Pas de Deux. PLEASE, air it again on popular demand. In my town they are playing Butler University Ballet’s Nutcracker over and over again. That’s nice, but I think people would like to see the amazing San Francisco Ballet much more. Thanks.

#22

Please show this more than once. When will it be shown again? How can it be purchased?

#23

How can I get a copy. Please let me know, if you are going to play again on PBS.

#24

Bring it back please…we missed it an know our girls would love it..rebroadcast???

#25

Norma is right–absolutely stunning! This is the best I’ve seen by a long shot. Karapetyan is another Nuryev. Wow, we may have our own Bolshoi!

#26

[...] ballet. This year there is a special treat, as the San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker will be broadcast on PBS. The Nutcracker will be broadcast in the Bay Area on KQED this Sunday. (Check local listings for [...]

#27

It was magical!. I am 80 years old and have seen manym many productions of the Nutcracker, but this was the finest. The fresh approach to the music, the dancing, the sets,all were wonderful. Thank you for the gift of the year.

#28

The San Francisco Ballet version of the Nutcracker was the absolute best! Please tell me how I can purchase a DVD.

#29

I agree with Chrissi. I can’t remember the last time I cried through a ballet. I am ordering the DVD!

#30

I have 2, four year old children who are ENGROSSED in this program for the SECOND time today. Bravo, SF Ballet and PBS for airing it! (Their parents have also enjoyed it…twice.)

#31

I want to see this episode, however the scheduled time in my area aired Luciano Pavaratti instead. Can anyone tell me when it will air today?

#32

I was absolutely blown away. By far the best Nutcracker I have ever seen in my life and I wasn’t even there in person. And I can’t believe it, but I was actually moved to tears by its beauty. Deeply touching. A timeless classic has been revived and refreshed to be discovered completely anew. Wow.

#33

I love this I saw it like last week, a few days after the nutcracker that I was in.

#34

Great performance, we want to buy the video but the info flashed across the screen too fast for us to get the telephone #.

#35

When I saw the previews, Mother Ginger caught my eye. My granddaughter, Ruby Borden, appeared in a local production as a buffoon who cartwheeled from and back to Mother Ginger’s skirt. SF’s Mother Ginger is a bit different, and the Teddy Bear was wondeful. Ruby was a Sugar Angel last year. I called her and let her know this was on. Mother Ginger is not included in many local N’s because the costume is a bit tricky. ALL of the dancers were amazing, professional and lovely. Ribbon Candy was so colorful! Thank YOU. I saw the Sunday, 12/21 showing, so hoping to see it one more time this season. Please? Gramma Bunny

#36

It was beautiful … please run it again.

#37

[...] like the Burger King for my taste.   It was filmed last year, and is distributed this year via Great Performances.   Of course, there’s a DVD available for the ballet lovers out there.  Enjoy.  [...]

#38

Being a dancer, this was the best Performance I have ever seen. Could you please run it again before Christmas.

#39

What a wonderful treat for television and a real feast for the eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed the show! Thanks to PBS for airing this wonderful program. Please show it again and again.

#40

A wonderful Nutcracker. The updated choreography was traditional but more modern and had a lovely flow. The sets and costumes are superb.

#41

customes were exquisite. sets were stunning with simplicity and dancers were astounding.

#42

Please bring it back. I missed it this time. I think the SFB is one of the best companies around.

#43

For all of those who didn’t see it or just wish to purchase it, it’s available on Amazon!

By far the best video version of the Nutcracker I’ve ever seen!

#44

It was absolutely incredible. Bravo! I enjoyed it greatly, please repeat it. The production was mesmerizing.

#45

[...] Search Nutcracker Revelations While watching the Nutcracker with Ranger, a crazy list of thoughts ran through my head (”like sugarplum fairies,” [...]

#46

When will it be shown again? I can’t believe i missed it!

#47

I am one more person who was so moved by San Francisco ballet’s dazzlingly beautiful Nutcracker…..( I just saw the Kirov ballet’s performance last week…I didn’t think it possible, but I think this production surpassed it….So…. such as exquisite thing of GREATNESS deserves another airing VERY SOON PLEASE–I can’t wait!! Would appreciate an e-mail as to it’s next showing. Thanks, and WOW.

#48

I missed seeing the whole episode. Will it be aired again, please? And if so, when? so I won’t miss it again. Most inspiring performance. Thanks.

#49

Wonderful, beautiful, marvelous performance! I absolutely adore the snow scene. I saw the Cincinnati Ballet perform “The Nutcracker” this week and if you live in the Cincy area, be glad to have a world class ballet (thank you, Victoria Morgan–via SF!) with live music (thank you, Carmon DeLeone for 40 years of service!) that rivals the one in San Francisco! Here is a link for those of you who said you wanted to purchase the SF production: http://www.shopthirteen.org/product/show/53285

#50

When will this air again?

#51

Depends on your PBS Station, I think but i found this:

Great Performances: Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s `Nutcracker’
Tuesday, January 6, 9:00pm
A San Francisco Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.”

Great Performances: Dance in America: San Francisco Ballet’s `Nutcracker’
Wednesday, January 7, 3:00am
A San Francisco Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.”

#52

[...] a LOT lately.  I taped it off of PBS before Christmas; I believe it was part of their “Great Performances” series.  This particular performace was recorded last year here in San Franciso with the SF [...]

#53

Is this available to purchase? I had recorded it from PBS before Christmas and it got erased! Please let me know how to order it.

#54

A master piece !!!

#55

[...] and very profitable for a ballet company.  Just take the San Francisco Ballet Company’s new 1915 World’s Fair based Nutcracker. The concept was fresh, the choreography had changed, and the costumes were fabulous. A big [...]

Post A Comment




Please note that the THIRTEEN editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness. No solicitations or advertisements will be allowed. Users may link to other Web sites relevant to discussion, but most often links to commercial Web sites will not be permitted.

Submit

Facebook YouTube iTunes

Produced by THIRTEEN WNET New York    ©2009 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.