The “Battle of the Nutcrackers” returns to Ovation TV
Category: Television and Streaming
The 11th annual “Battle of the Nutcrackers” begins December 11 on Ovation TV. Five productions of the holiday classic ballet with the wonderful and memorable Tchaikovsky music include ballet companies from around the world.
The five versions of “The Nutcracker” are performed at The Australian Ballet, The Dutch National Ballet, the Semperoper Ballet, the Berlin State Opera, and the Royal Opera House. The five productions will air from December 11 to December 15, with voting open to all viewers. The viewer favorite will be revealed on December 18 and re-aired that day.
Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker – The Australian Ballet
An Ovation TV Premiere airing Monday, December 11 at 7:00am ET
Created for Birmingham Royal Ballet and now performed by The Australian Ballet, Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker is considered the world’s most beautiful.
Peter Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – The Dutch National Ballet
Airing Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00am ET
Unlike the original story, the production by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling (who also designed the delightful sets and costumes) does not take place on Christmas Eve in a German town, but during St. Nicholas celebrations in Amsterdam, around 1810.
The Nutcracker – Semperoper
Airing Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00am ET
Based on the celebrated original ballet libretto by Marius Petipa, choreographers Aaron S. Watkin and Jason Beechey have joined forces to create a production from the Semperoper highlighting the work’s fairy-tale aspects and visual opulence.
The Nutcracker – Berlin State Opera
Airing Thursday, December 14 at 7:00am ET
The Nutcracker is a magical fairytale full of vivacity and life and its musical brilliance is brought to its peak through the interpretation of the renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim and star Vladimir Malakhov.
Royal Opera House – The Nutcracker
An Ovation TV Premiere Airing Friday, December 15 at 7:00am ET
This all-time ballet favorite, in which young girl Clara is taken on a fantasy adventure when one of her Christmas presents comes to life, is gloriously put on stage in Peter Wright’s 2016 production, with choreography by Lev Ivanov.
To vote for your favorite production, go to the Ovation Facebook Page.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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