I remember listening to my ballet peers talk about spanish and arabian variations and wondering what the heck they were talking about. Kelcie leigh stranahan was born on november 18, 1992 in walnut creek, california, usa. The ballerina and nutcracker dolls were also a very nice touch. In seattle, maurice sendaks wild nutcracker reaches its final act. Dec 23, 2014 stowell right says sendak left needed some convincing before he signed on to design a new nutcracker. The stowellsendak nutcracker returns to seattle centers mccaw hall for 35 public performances november 28 through december 28, 2014. The ballet is choreographed by pacific northwest ballet artistic director kent stowell b. In honor of the farewell season of pacific northwest ballets stowell and sendak nutcracker, we updated this terrific article about. Submit malware for free analysis with falcon sandbox and hybrid analysis technology. The great success of the landmark ballet doubled the.
From the nutcraker pacific northwest ballet, kent stowell. Nov 27, 2015 in 1975, pacific northwest dance ballet company, as pnb was then called, acquired lew christensens nutcracker, performing the work for eight seasons. Pacific northwest ballet is delighted to celebrate three decades of kent stowell and maurice sendak s oneofakind nutcracker, the northwests favorite holiday tradition. They reminded me a bit of the stowell sendak version which is a good thing but they were also very much their own unique designs. The stowellsendak nutcracker was beloved by the institution and the community, pnb executive director ellen walker says. In fact, stowell added a mozart piece in the stahlbaumsilberhaus party scene in act i, in which three dancers act out a chamber dance of the. Seattle, wa pacific northwest ballet is delighted to celebrate three decades of kent stowell and maurice sendaks oneofakind nutcracker, the northwests favorite holiday tradition. Its an icon for the city, he says of the ballet he and sendak created three decades ago. Stowell and sendak were interested with the proposal, but discussed at length whether it would be wiser simply to film the ballet on stage or to adapt it into a full. Pacific northwest ballets 201415 season features the. Carrington got them from the ballet s prop masters when sendak kent stowell version of the show was replaced by the george balanchine version in 2015. Their pacific northwest ballet nutcracker dating from 1983 is actually at its most original and exciting when it. Kent stowell and his wife, francia russell, were the ballet s artistic directors back in the 1980s, when they envisioned a different kind of nutcracker production and approached sendak to help.
The pacific northwest ballets nutcracker features choreography by kent stowell and sets and costumes by the late childrens book author maurice sendak. After deciding early last year that it was time to retire pnbs longrunning nutcracker, which debuted in 1983 with designs by maurice sendak and choreography by kent stowell, boal turned. The stowell and sendak nutcracker contributed significantly to the companys identity, holding the stage for 32 seasons. In 1983, four years after he adapted where the wild things are for the stage, sendak designed the set for the pacific northwestern ballets production of nutcracker. Seattle times dance critic carole beers reported a roaring ovation. With sets and costumes designed by renowned illustrator maurice sendak where the wild things are, and choreography by pnb founding artistic director kent stowell. However, the disc is part of foxmgms manufactureondemand studio classics series. When the kent stowell maurice sendak nutcracker opened in seattle in 1983, it took the city by storm, playing to 99 per cent capacity houses, and paying for itself in the. And it was very central to our identity as a company. The following year saw the publication ofnutcracker, a new edition of the original hoffman story, with illustrations by sendak, that remained on the new york times best seller list for eight weeks. When i first heard that this would be the last year that pacific northwest ballet would hold its stowell and sendak nutcracker, my heart did a little dip. Free automated malware analysis service powered by. Dec 23, 2014 in seattle, maurice sendaks wild nutcracker reaches its final act for more than 30 years, the pacific northwest ballets nutcracker has used sets and costumes designed by the author of where. Nov 27, 2012 created by pacific northwest ballet pnb founding artistic director kent stowell and renowned childrens book author and illustrator maurice sendak where the wild things are, pnbs nutcracker premiered 29 years ago and has been heralded as the worlds most celebrated production.
A signature moment of pacific northwest ballets stowellsendak nutcracker occurs when claras christmas tree grows from 14 to 28 feet. But the stowellsendak nutcracker will soon take its final bow at the. So stowell and russell approached the late childrens book author and illustrator maurice sendak and invited him to design the. Pacific northwest ballets 201415 season features the finale.
Pnbs stowellsendak nutcracker takes a final bow the. Right the breathtaking snow scene from pacific northwest ballet s stowell sendak nutcracker. Unlike previous versions, stowell and sendak turned to the original e. Sendak s involvment and the return to the original story make this production a ballet that will entrance even young children. Hoffmann story for inspiration and incorporated some of the darker aspects of hoffmanns tale. If youve never seen pacific northwest ballet s pnb famous nutcracker, now is the time. As we prepare for the farewell season of pnbs stowell sendak nutcracker, heres a look back in pictures at how this cherished holiday tradition got its start.
One thing that immediately stood out to me was the choreography and movement of the young dancers. Jan 04, 2015 to me, this version was the normal nutcracker because it was all i knew. Stowell and sendack nutcracker wont be retired until an. Stowell says, it was a very spiritual experience for him. The stories behind maurice sendaks nutcracker designs. Maurice sendak, designer of pacific northwest ballet s 1983 nutcracker the version they eventually created premiered in december 1983. Final bow for stowellsendak nutcracker katherine chloe cahoon. Maurice sendaks original illustrations of clara and the prince. I loved the use of the doors, fireplace, and closets as entrances and exits for the dancers. Kuow why shaking up seattles nutcracker is so risky. Maurice sendak s original illustrations of clara and the prince. In 1979, one kent stowell, choreographer for the pacific northwest ballet, contacted illustrator maurice sendak about collaborating on a new ballet production of the nutcracker. Pacific northwest ballet the brilliant result of close collaboration between pnb founding artistic director and choreographer kent stowell and renowned childrens book author and illustrator maurice sendak, nutcracker premiered to national acclaim in december 1983. Dec 01, 2010 the chinese dance in the artist maurice sendak and the choreographer kent stowells production of the nutcracker, which is presented each season by the pacific northwest ballet in seattle.
The motion picture, like the stowellsendak stage production on which it is based, is presented as claras comingofage story. Stowell, sendak wrote in the introduction to his book nutcracker, which he released after designing the ballet, suggested we abandon the predictable nutcracker and find a fresh. Maurice sendak s original illustration for pnbs stowell sendak nutcracker. Sendaks involvment and the return to the original story make this production a ballet that will entrance even young children.
Choreographed by kent stowell and designed by celebrated childrens author maurice sendak best known for where the wild things are, this production has served as a hallmark of seattle ballet as. Created by pacific northwest ballet pnb founding artistic director kent stowell and renowned childrens book author and illustrator maurice sendak where the wild things are, pnbs nutcracker premiered 29 years ago and has been heralded as the worlds most celebrated production. The stowell sendak nutcracker was beloved by the institution and the community, pnb executive director ellen walker says. The secret jewish history of the nutcracker the forward.
Pnb to shelve its beloved version of nutcracker in 2015. Every major ballet company has their own nutcracker, stowell says. A signature moment of pacific northwest ballet s stowell sendak nutcracker occurs when claras christmas tree grows from 14 to 28 feet. However, the disc is part of foxmgms manufactureon. Highlighted by maurice sendak s stunning production design and kent stowell s inventive choreography which emphasizes the darker psychological aspects of e. Although stowell and sendak s nutcracker retired from pnbs repertory in 2014, this film ensures that their unique version of the classic can still be enjoyed year after year.
Pacific northwest ballet s stowell and sendak nutcracker. Nutcracker tickets to go on sale to the public on monday, may 19. The majestic tree was constructed by boeing engineers and weighs 1,000 pounds. Dec 04, 2018 in 1979, one kent stowell, choreographer for the pacific northwest ballet, contacted illustrator maurice sendak about collaborating on a new ballet production of the nutcracker. In seattle, maurice sendak s wild nutcracker reaches its final act for more than 30 years, the pacific northwest ballet s nutcracker has used sets and costumes designed by the author of where. Nov 27, 2012 right the breathtaking snow scene from pacific northwest ballet s stowell sendak nutcracker. To me, this version was the normal nutcracker because it was all i knew. Hybrid analysis develops and licenses analysis tools to fight malware. Dec 06, 2014 after a 31year run, the pacific northwest ballet is putting the famous stowell and sendak nutcracker in the vault and making way for a new production next year. Most ballet companies nutcrackers are very loosely based on a greatly simplified version of the hoffman story. Starting in 2015, pnb will perform george balanchines the nutcracker complete with new costumes and sets designed by ian falconer creator of the popular childrens book series olivia. Pnb box office now taking orders for renewals and new subscriptions.
Nutcracker to see in nyc nutcracker went once at christmas, in kansas city with steve and friend, we all learned we dont really care for ballet. Dec 03, 2014 after 31 years and hundreds of performances, pacific northwest ballet has begun its farewell to kent stowell and maurice sendaks nutcracker. Dec 22, 2014 if youve never seen pacific northwest ballets pnb famous nutcracker, now is the time. I wish to bring it up not to challenge the wisdom of retiring it, but rather to suggest how it succeeded in ways the balanchine nutcrackerboth old and newdoes not. The new income allowed the company to take risks on more new ballets. Nutcracker ballet tradition at christmas time ballet class and flu season. Pacific northwest ballet s production of nutcracker, which opens tomorrow at mccaw hall, is such a venerable holiday tradition for our region that its easy to forget that it was once considered a tremendous risk.
Stowell sendak nutcracker 2011 discovered by johanna kraemer. Pacific northwest ballet announces 20142015 season lineup. In seattle, maurice sendaks wild nutcracker reaches. At long last, nutcracker, the motion picture, carroll ballards film of the pacific northwest ballets maurice sendak designed production is available on an official region one dvd from mgm, the films current owner. She trained as a ballet, jazz and lyrical dancer from a young age.
The stowell sendak nutcracker returns to seattle centers mccaw hall for 35 public performances november 28 through december 28, 2014. The only perfect use of those three minutes in the nutcracker known as the arabian dance. Nov 26, 2014 as we prepare for the farewell season of pnbs stowellsendak nutcracker, heres a look back in pictures at how this cherished holiday tradition got its start. In 1986, a featurelength film of the stowell sendak nutcracker was premiered in seattle and released. Stowell right says sendak left needed some convincing before he signed on to design a new nutcracker. They reminded me a bit of the stowell sendak version which is a good thing but they were also very much their own. Pnb 20142015 season, plus stowellsendak nutcracker last. The final showing of the stowell and sendak nutcracker is sunday, dec. This seattle tradition choreographed 31 years ago by the companys then artistic director kent stowell with vibrant sets by esteemed childrens author maurice sendak where the wild things are will be retired when the final curtain comes down. Pacific northwest ballets nutcracker, with lavish sets and costumes by maurice sendak and choreography by kent stowell, has been a tradition for seattlearea families since 1983.
Demented dancers, silly stagehands and the maniacal pnb orchestra a bit giddy after thirtyplus performances take more than a few liberties with. Hoffmanns original story, the ballet has been a critical and popular success. I wish to bring it up not to challenge the wisdom of retiring it, but rather to suggest how it succeeded in ways the balanchine nutcracker. As we prepare for the farewell season of pnbs stowellsendak nutcracker, heres a look back in pictures at how this cherished holiday tradition. Hoffmans the nutcracker and the mouse king, stowell and sendak delved deeply into the original story and infused the ballet with a. For those who are serious about dance, there is wonderful choreography by kent stowell and it would be difficult not to be thrilled with the exquiste dancing of patricia barker who plays both the adult clara and the. After 31 years enchanting seattle holiday audiences, kent stowell and maurice sendak s nutcracker will see its final curtain call as part of the 201415 pacific northwest ballet season. Pacific northwest ballet celebrates three decades of. History of the nutcracker pacific northwest ballet.
Pacific northwest ballet premieres kent stowellmaurice. Nov, 2014 if youve never joined us, dont miss your last chance to see tiny toy soldiers and snowflakes that dance if you loved it before, its time to come back for this wondrous nutcracker by stowell. Pacific northwest ballet can proudly lay claim to one of the worlds most recognized and celebrated productions of nutcracker. He had never been around ballet before, and he watched the training and rehearsals for. Local ballet theatre strives to make dancing enjoyable for all. Sendak s first professional encounter with nutcracker came when he was approached by the pacific northwest ballet to recreate the original e. Pnbs stowellsendak nutcracker takes a final bow the seattle. Through conversations with northwest pacific ballet artistic director kent stowell, sendak became inspired to overcome his initial perceptions of the work as the. If youve never joined us, dont miss your last chance to see tiny toy soldiers and snowflakes that dance if you loved it before, its time to come back for this wondrous nutcracker by stowell. Kent stowell is the choreographer of pnwbs version, while maurice sendak designed the sets and costumes. Only pnb subscribers may currently purchase tickets to the final year of stowell sendak nutcracker. One such is the choreographer kent stowell and the artist maurice sendak. When stowell flew to new york to pitch the idea of working together to create a new nutcracker ballet, sendak confessed, im not even sure i like ballet. It included two very traditional versions the 1989 bolshoi ballet s nutcracker and the 2009 royal ballet nutcracker as well as the berlin state opera ballet s nutcracker, maurice bejarts nutcracker, and the ballet of monte carlos casse noisette circus.
In seattle, maurice sendaks wild nutcracker reaches its. It depicts claras inner conflict and confusion, as well as the beginning of her sexual awakening, as she approaches adolescence. Maurice sendak and kent stowell in 1979, one kent stowell, choreographer for the pacific northwest ballet, contacted illustrator maurice sendak about collaborating on a new ballet production of the nutcracker. At long last, nutcracker, the motion picture, carroll ballards film of the pacific northwest ballet s maurice sendak designed production is available on an official region one dvd from mgm, the films current owner. The brilliant result of close collaboration between pnb founding artistic director and choreographer kent stowell and renowned childrens book author and illustrator maurice sendak, nutcracker premiered to national acclaim in december 1983. Nov 27, 2018 the stowellsendak nutcracker has its detractors and there were many who no doubt grew weary of seeing it on stage year after year. Jun 16, 2012 on december, 1983, pacific northwest ballet premieres a new production of nutcracker. Sendak was not interested at first, until stowell asked him to read the original story by hoffmann. Stowell choreographed thirtysix ballets for the company. Fortunately, he was won over by what stowell describes as the rich part of the process the opportunity to devise characters and details that would make sense for the life of clara, the main character. The stowell sendak nutcracker has its detractors and there were many who no doubt grew weary of seeing it on stage year after year. In 1983, under artistic directors kent stowell and francia russell, the company presented a new production with choreography by stowell and scenic and costume designs by famed childrens. In 2015, pnb acquired george balanchines iconic production, blending peters boals personal historyhis new england childhood and his 30year involvement with the balanchine nutcracker as both a student and. Dec 23, 2014 in addition to his beloved childrens books, maurice sendak june 10, 1928may 8, 2012 vitalized the popular imagination with his equally innovative contributions to theater.
Pnb prepares to raise the curtain on a bold new nutcracker. Pacific northwest ballet celebrates three decades of stowell. The 2010 battle of the nutcrackers began its run on december 6, 2010. Its as if we said, well, i want to see a new space needle, so were. New york city ballet, where both kent stowell and francia russell danced, first performed george balanchines 19041983 nutcracker in 1954. In honor of the farewell season of pacific northwest ballet s stowell and sendak nutcracker, we updated this terrific article about the ballet s fascinating history. One of the noteworthy aspects of pacific northwest ballets nutcracker was that stowell and sendak went. Pnbs acclaimed production of nutcracker runs december 7 29, 2012 at seattle center s mccaw hall.
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