Letter to the board president from Debbie Hammock

Letter to the board president from Debbie Hammock

A letter of complaint to the company that expresses dissatisfaction with the version of “The Nutcracker,” as presented by the newly formed Northwest Ballet Company (Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Minnesota Dance Theatre). They performed the Pacific Northwest version, which was not received with praise, especially compared with Loyce Houlton’s version. “The ‘magic’ of the ballet was gone…in its place a more comical version.”

Minnesota Dance Theatre Records
Performing Arts Archives

21-Jan-88

401 Arthur Court
Circle Pines, MN 55014
January 21, 1988

Northwest Ballet
Hennepin Center for the Arts
528 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Attention: Arthur Jacobus, President

RE: Nutcracker

Dear Mr. Jacobus:

For the past five years The Nutcracker has been a part of my family's Christmas tradition. I had an open mind when I went in December because I knew it was going to be a new version, but I honestly disliked everything about it. Many other people that I talked to feel as I do, although they may not have taken the time to write a letter.

The "magic" of the ballet was gone this year. In its place is a more comical version, which in my opinion is more appealing to younger children. There are a number of things that disappointed me:

Scenes in the new version don't go with the music as well as in Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy version. For example: the peacock taking the place of Arabian dancers; Clara and The Nutcracker dancing to sugar plum fairy music; kids playing instead of marching to The March of the Tin Soldiers.

Drosselmeyer does very little dancing and is portrayed as a very wicked person. His dancing is so superb in the old version and he's more likeable.

The Christmas party in the beginning is boring. The old version is so much more entertaining.

The costumes are boring and drab.

The orchestra didn't perform as well as The Minnesota Orchestra.

Two soloists aren't enough.

The Nutcracker looks like a stuffed animal instead of a nutcracker.

Northwest Ballet
January 21, 1988
Page 2

The Russian dancers don't compare to those in the old version.

The Rat Queen's performance is boring. Her solo is so dramatic in the old version.

The little mice are boring compared to the old version.

Additional scenes such as the boat in water with dolphins, the giant rat, etc. are silly and take away from the professionalism of the ballet.

Is there any reason why The Northwest Ballet Company cannot perform the Nutcracker Fantasy version? It's so much more professional, colorful, magical, and easy to understand. It's very disappointing to think that this new version will replace the old version permanently at Northrup Auditorium, as it will mean the end of a Christmas tradition for my family.

I look forward to your reply. Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Signature: Debbie Hammock)

Debbie Hammock

cc: Northrup Auditorium