Free Traditions

Off to see The Nutcracker at Wortham Theater

I should have written about this on Sunday or Monday but I was completely lazy.

Hey... it happens...

Anyway, I have a wonderful friend who knows my cultural bent and called to ask if I wanted to attend the Houston Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.  She had an extra ticket and offered it up to me.  I jumped at the chance.  I have seen The Nutcracker on numerous occasions and (quite frankly) it is not the actual production that is the draw (although this one was phenomenal), it is the atmosphere that makes folks from all over flock to it.

As you can see from the photo here, the Wortham Theater was decked out and the patron were dressed to match the atmosphere.  Behind me was a HUGE golden Christmas tree all lit up and kids were all flocking all around it.  Children enjoying a wonderful cultural experience.

...And that is the crux of a performance of The Nutcracker.

Children dressed up in their best outfits, little boys running about in their suits, little girls running about in wonderful dresses, and their parents chasing after them dressed to match.  I saw a few fathers dressed in tuxedoes holding their little girls hands, mothers in their finery sitting next to their little men who are pulling at their collars... they are trying, bless their little hearts.

Inside the theater

They all file into the performance hall (which is gorgeous, by the way) and when the ballet starts, there is almost an audible "wow" coming from the children as the production begins.  For so many of them, this is their first professional stage performance and the Houston Ballet does not disappoint.

I have been to a few of the Ballet's performances at Miller Outdoor Theater, but there is something about seeing the troupe in their home building.  We are very lucky here in Houston to have such a wonderful group of dancers.

The afternoon was simply wonderful and seeing all of the folks enjoy the production just made me think of my own (soon to be) 12 year old girl and (very soon to be) 15 year old son.  It made me really want to bring them out to see the production next year.

...now I just have to get that tux.