San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
‘The Nutcracker’ tradition remains
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, seasonal shows like “A Christmas Carol” or “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” are either canceled or will look a lot different this year.
That’s also the case for productions of “The Nutcracker,” the beloved holiday ballet staged by companies and schools around the county — and often their biggest source of income.
At San Diego Ballet, the company is adapting to social distance guidelines by putting on “The Nutcracker” as a drive-in.
“COVID-19 has changed the performing arts industry profoundly already,” San Diego Ballet Executive Director Matt Carney said. “The down time, though, has given us an opportunity to pause and rethink all that we do — including our annual production of ‘The Nutcracker.’”
The performances will happen over two weekends as outdoor matinees. They will also be relatively intimate, with 30 extralarge parking spots available per show. Because the spaces are so big, audiences will be able to bring portable chairs and blankets and watch the performance outside their vehicles.
“Other drive-in performances sort of pack you in, and you have to stay in the car,” Carney said. “For this, we’ve factored in more space so attendees get a parking space, plus an extra spot. That way, they can safely tailgate while adhering to the county safety guidelines.”
San Diego Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will have five performances starting Friday, Nov. 27, and going through Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets are $99 per vehicle or $129 for VIP front row parking. Find details at Libertystation.tix.com.
Those not quite ready to attend an inperson performance can catch unique twists on virtual productions, starting with Southern California Ballet.
The Carmel Mountain-based company and ballet school is partnering with Poway Onstage to create a virtual “Nutcracker” field trip for school groups, special needs groups and senior groups.
Participants will be able to get a backstage tour of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, see the costume shop and watch previously recorded clips from Southern California Ballet’s “Nutcracker” performances.
Company co-artistic director Toby Batley said there are already 4,000 students signed up for the free experience, including some from out of state.
Families and groups can register for “The Nutcracker” field trip through powayonstage.org.
Also adapting to the times is West Coast Ballet Complex. The Carmel Valley-based ballet school is going forward with its “Nutcracker” plans — only the show will be released as a film rather than a stage production.
Directed by Marie Arts, former director of Del Mar Ballet, the students will be filmed in small groups either in the studio or at outdoor locations. Dancers will be wearing masks to match their costumes.
“The ballet will almost seem like the ‘normal’ holiday classic we adore. But we are not going to necessarily gloss over the times we are living in,” Arts said in a letter to parents.
The movie will be recorded around Thanksgiving and will be available to watch in time for the December holiday season. Get updates at westcoastdance.com or via Instagram at @westcoastdancecomplex.