Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

It was a great experience, it's the second time I see them and every year I will go to see them in San Diego, it's like a competition of dancers and I'm excited to see them, and the Russian companies are the best, thanks for coming and yet see them every always anus.

This was a great production by very talented artist. It was a magical Christmas journey of Wonders and merriment! Definitely a must-see for the holidays!

We saw a matinee in Chattanooga and were not disappointed. The costumes were vivid colors, beautifully embellished ; working with screened backdrops, even the sets we're beautiful for a traveling troupe. Dancers were accomplished, only missing a few landings. Some of the featured dances were excellent and real crowd pleasers. We would do it again.

Great show. Disappointed with the program. Difficult to understand.

Dancers were excellent especially the children. The set design was sparce and uninspired. A shame that the music was canned.

Great dancers, sets and scenes.....a very entertaining evening!

When you jump into the air and land on the ground, what sound do you hear? Try it\u2026 Probably a loud thud! When you watch the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker dancers jump into the air with such balance and grace, they land like a feather on the wood floor! Visually the dancers are brilliant in their performance of a well know story and I would recommend this to all audiences young and old.

I have seen numerous performances of the Nutcracker, and this was the least impressive. The two lead dancers were the only saving grace. They were truly exceptional. The overall production with its piped in music and sparse settings was really disappointing. The dance of the sugar plums was great. The theme dances were sparsely populated and seemed trivial with the comic inclusion of the large bull. This was a marketing gimmick, since it featured local kids, whose parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents felt obliged to attend. Some of them were quite cute.

Both of us have seen The Nutcracker numerous times. This year, we took our children ages 10 & 6 to see it for the first time. We chose the Moscow Ballet over Joffery Ballet based on reviews stating that the Moscow Ballet stayed true to the original music. Here is why we were disappointed; 1) the music was a recording, 2) the scenery & special effects were bland and/or non-existent - read: the cannon made this sound "ppffft," 3) the second act, with the dances from around the world - usually some of the most exciting parts of the entire show (i.e. the Russian dance) - lacked the showmanship that is expected. Fortunately, the kids didn't know what they missed. Unfortunately, they now think The Nutcracker is "boring" and the ballet "stinks."

I hate to say it, but I feel conned. This should have been billed the Moscow JUNIOR ballet. Most of the dancers in major roles were quite young and just couldn't or didn't perform at the level we expected from a nationally billed company. The choreography was uninspiring - just not much spark until the very end. This was supposed to be a treat for my daughter and my parents, and instead I spent @$200 for "meh." Wish I'd gone to Joffrey instead. Oh, and the Public Hall stage is stunning, but the rest of it shabby and sad. The ushers were nice, though.

Quality was just ok.....the most annoying part of the performance was those ridiculous animals prancing around in the background of dancers . Very distracting and poorly costumed.

Lose all the local kids! They were distracting and not great. They were adorable but detracted from the professional dancers. Some parts of the ballet looked like a rehearsal. Dancers were off e floor marks and not lined up properly. A man in front of us had a ton of cologne on. It was overpowering and very cloying. It made us cough and sneeze.

The children, age 4 and 6, enjoyed the ballet very well.

The way this event was advertised I genuinely believed I was going to get a spectacular show. The show was subpar. Granted at some points it was entertaining and the talent was there, the quality was not. The venue they decided to have it at was awfully dilapidated and filthy. I would have much rather have seen this at Play House Square. I was torn between seeing this ballet or the Joffrey Ballet s performance and I went w/ this. I assumed since it was a traveling show there would be more substance. I was sadly disappointed. The show has become very modernized since the last time I saw it as a kid 20+ years ago. For some reason I was under the impression there would have been a live orchestra and there was not. I guess I remember it being a lot more magical as a child than what it actually was. I m happy to be able to cross it off my bucket list but sad that it did not meet my expectations.

I first became worried about the event when the music began and the orchestra pit was empty. Instead, the music was recorded and played through the audio system. Yes, you can tell and yes, it makes a BIG difference. When the dancing began, it soon became evident that this is not what a professional company should look like. The dancers seemed to be bored and barely put forth any effort. Instead of the seeming of flowing seamlessly from one pose to the next, there were very definite stops and starts between each move. The leg lifts were barely at the appropriate height and there was a definite lack of uniformity in how high or what each person should do. The choreography itself was quite lack luster. There was a general lack of difficulty and complexity to most of the dances. It also failed to appropriately match the mood of the music. When the music was soft, so were the dances, but when the music grew loud and demanded our attention, the dancers were still barely moving through their old poses. Yes, there were parts that stood out and were done very well, but that could be squeezed into 10 minutes of the entire performance. I have to come back to the music yet again. It is not appropriate in any way, shape, or form to charge as much as they did for tickets (the difference between them and the Playhouse Square production was only $10 on most levels, but the Playhouse was sold out) to what you believe to be a professional performance and not have an orchestra perform with the music. As far as the performance is concerned, it would have been good if I was charged no more than $20 for the performance. Anything above that is a waste of your money.

Magical experience and a wonderful showcase of local children!

Very beautiful. this is my first time seeing a ballet and it was done wonderfully.

The Moscow Russian performance was truly fantastic to watch! They incorporated local children into the production and it was beautifully synced. Very little props were used in comparison to other productions that I have seen - they were not missed as there was no need for them. Fabulous performance! I will be going again next year.

The ballet itself was excellent. Fantastic costumes. Perfect dancing, impressive athleticism. The Cleveland music hall leaves a little to be desired. The carpets were filthy. The stairs steep and the floors covered in stains from dropped gum. This place is in need of restoration. The only benefit was it was nice and warm.

Great show, loved the local talent used as part of the various acts - was surprised it did not receive better publicity in Cleveland - few of my friends were even aware of the Shows beining in Cleveland

If you don't have proper facility for the event, don't host it at all. Music Hall is a pitiful delapidated facility... kind of depressing. However, this setting pretty much matched the show itself. Aweful performance! Are those dancers amature? Why do you charge astronomical price for the tickets???? I paid $175.00 a piece; $20.00 would be a generous price for this miserable parody of Nutcracker!!! Not live orchestra?!!! Really???? for this price!!!!! even quality of the recording was pathetic. I saw Nutcracker ballet about 7-10 times in my life. I am Russian, and I brought my American friend to demonstrate immortal masterpiece, hoping that "Russian ballet" would be IT. I was sincerely embarassed. BTW, the some local school productions stage settings and lightings are much better than those. What a shame!

I had always remembered Ballet as an art form of dance AND music. Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker was disappointing. This was my first Nutcracker where there was a tape of the music and no orchestra, very upsetting as the sound system was poor at best. The lack of the orchestra actually took the magic out of this production. The dancers were very good and worked very hard to put on a nice show that lacked even a real tree and warm fireplace to get the mood started. The costumes of the Mouse King and mice were nothing to be remembered as well as the Nutcracker and his army. The land of the sweets had two dancers per country with a sheet animal I could make at home. Once again, the dancers were very good. Seats extremely uncomfortable!! I would not even consider putting my purse in the floor because it was so filthy.

I was so thrilled to see that the RUSSIAN dancers would be coming to town. However there were more non-talented dancers (children and young adults) on the stage than russian dancers. Also, no orchestra, it was all played off a sound system or something. I could have paid the same amount per ticket to go to the other show that night, and would have gotten more for what I paid for. It seemed more like a high-school rendition of the ballet than the world-famous russian dancers.

It was an excellent performance! I would recommend it to everyone.

Overall it was ok, but the level of performance did not match the cost of the ticket. Significantly overpriced. We saw a much better performance from the local Raleigh troupe in NC. I expected a much better performance from an international troupe. In addition, the venue is honestly horrible. It's bland and huge and if you sit on the floor level you having issues being able to see.

The dancers are very talented and the show was amazing. However, CAESARS WINDSOR is a poorly built venue with terrible sight lines.

the seats in the middle section of the Cherokee Casino which are roll-out were very narrow and uncomfortable for such a long event - the dancers were out of step with each other frequently but it was still a very good show - the beginning of the 2nd act with the pairs of dancers were truly good and the Hindu/Russian pairs were fantastic, worth the whole show just to see them perform

I have seen numerous ballets on tv and video, but this was the first live performance and I was amazed. The performers were exceptional, and the costumes were authinic. The only regret was there was no live orchestra. The location of my seats were great and the cost was "priceless". This is a must see production!

Amazing technique, colorful costumes, great story! Wonderful holiday tradition for our family!

My wife and I saw this performance 2 years ago in Asheville, and enjoyed it very much, so we were happy to be able to see them perform again in Cherokee. We recognized many of the same performers from 2 years ago, and they were up to their usual high standards. It is difficult and a strain travelling around different countries in these programs, but, as usual, they were excellent! We will look forward to seeing them again on their next tour in the area.

This was one of the worst adaptations I've every seen in 20 plus years viewing. The set was horrible with two basic backdrops, half the dancers were out of synch. The ballerina playing a young girl looked to be 40 years old. There was no magic or enchanment, if you didn't know the story, or they were suppose to be soldiers fight mice, you'd have no idea what those creatures were.

After having seen this production on television, the live experience certainly brought us closer to the spectacle, and the booming sound of the orchestrations certainly enhanced it. Though we are not ballet aficionados, even in the "cheap seats", the colors and the pageantry were truly enjoyable.

I have been to many many Nutcracker events. This Moscow ballet was very disappointing. The technical level of the dancers we're at a college level; at best. The little children dancers were adorable. There was no magic in the evening. The only sparks I saw flying we're from cell phones lighting up as people were texting during the performance and taking videos of the performance. This should never be allowed it is a huge distractions phone should stay off period.

Fox Theater in Detroit is a great theater to see. The ballet dancers were very good. It would have been nice to have a symphony performing instead of piped in music. Someone was sitting in our seats when we got there. There tickets looked valid for the time and show, but they were escorted away when it was determined that our tickets were the correct ones. Not sure if it was a Ticketmaster or Fox Theater mistake.

Truly unforgettable experience, costums, setting... everything was beyond perfect!

First time ever seeing the Nutcracker ballet, so maybe my expectations were too high. The show was okay, but for me, a bit boring. Wasn't aware of the ethnic stereotypes in the ballet, so that detracted from the show. Not sure why these parts wouldn't be updated. Glad I purchased discounted seats (Obstructed View tickets, hardly obstructed view at all, only a third of the cost) because this show was not worth the regular price ticket cost. Eat and drink before coming as both are massively marked up at bar / concession stands. Bathrooms were not well maintained. Seat cushions have springs that you can feel, so cushions aren't exactly cushy.

Details in the show and costumes were far better to other versions of then Nutcracker proformed around the Chicagoland and Milwaukee areas. The show was enjoyable. Every act was attention getting. The details of the costumes were just phenomenal! The couple preforming the Arabian section needs a raise! They were show stoppers! I could have watched an entire act with just the two of them! Amazing! Overall the dancers were outstanding! Their structure, grace, poise and beauty listed across the stage creating magical scene after magical scene! I still have sugar plum fairies dancing in my head!

This was a fantastic performance of the Nutcracker put on by the Moscow Ballet! I love the variations on the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies -- what a novel idea and beautifully done! I will come back again when it's in town!

Wonderful way to celebrate the holidays! Beautiful costumes!

What a wonderful performance. My family s Saturday afternoon couldn t have been more enjoyably.Just lovely. Bravo!

The ballerinas were athletic and talented. The dancing grabbed you and reeled you in so that you were sad when it was over.

Not only were the dancers incredibly talented, the sets and the costumes were brilliant. I like the different take the producer had on the Nutcracker story. Overall spectacular.

Made me remember why I wanted to be a ballerina as a child. It was comical, sensual, sweet. It entertained all the senses.

The show was very well put together. My daughters loved it.

Tonight was the first year I bring my son. This will start a tradition that we will do yearly. Thank you

I know every Nutcracker is different. I'm a bit biased about Moscow dancers as I think they are the best anywhere but I've seen much more props in other Nutcrackers. But Moscow company can't exactly haul the best stage props with them and the hall itself here in Tucson was too small but it wasn't filled anyway. The Oregon Ballet put on an almost equal show but no dancers, in my opinion, are better than the Russians. ♡♡♡♡♡

I took my 5 year old daughter and we both enjoyed it so much. The costumes were beautiful and the dancing was too. We just wish there had been a live orchestra.

Worst ballet I've ever been to. Unprofessional performers - think out of sync. No live music - think no orchestra. the theatre was filthy disgusting. An embarrassment to ballet. DO NOT GO

I really liked everything about the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker! The dancing, the costumes, and the sets were all wonderful, whimsical, and creative. The overall feel was the wonder of Christmas cheer brought to life in a lovely, imaginative, and fanciful way. The technical dance talent was well done and the acrobatics involved added a wow factor. Thumbs up all around!

The show was entertaining from beginning to the end. I was amazed at the dancers. Their moves at times just took your breath away. I was a little kid again. I can't wait until next year! See you soon!

First impression was that the music was recorded- for $110/ticket I expected live music. The dancers were good- I am no professional so can't judge much beyond that, but I was often distracted by the amateur children dancing (local) and by some unexplained animals, meant to add to the different cultural themes I assume. They added humor, but were more distracting than anything else. And don't get me wrong- I love kids, and I would be thrilled if my children had a chance to dance on a big stage with professionals, but I can go watch their recitals for free, and was expecting a fully professional experience. Basically, my expectations were not met. Costumes were beautiful, a handful of the dancers really put on a show and the others were good enough to carry the story. I love this story and the music, so will probably go again some day, but won't waste money on good seats.

The ballet was wonderful. Loved the dancing and the costumes were beautiful. Great show. The Arabian dancers were especially awesome.

Front row seats, but wasn't really necessary as the venue provided excellent viewing for all. I could actually hear the the dancer's slippers each time they moved across the floor. The performers were passionate, and flawless in their movements. You will not be disappointed. My suggestions: nose bleed is a waste of money, front row is ok if you have little ones that can't see around adults, but mid-way is best.

The ballet was very professional and beautifully choreographed. The Dove of Peace dance was breathtaking and it was exciting to see something new and that spectacular! I am grateful that the ballet comes to Cleveland! I had a wonderful time! Thank you!

I have never been to a ballet, so readers of this review should keep that in mind. I was just blown away! The dancing was incredible. The pace of the show was quick. And, the use of local, young performers, was a neat addition.

Everything about this production was exquisite. The interpretation of the storyline included an initial scene in the godfather/magician's toy workshop, which I've never seen done before. The godfather played a more prominent role and was not confined to an almost off-stage presence draped in black. He was an integral part of the performance and his costuming was elegant and bright. All the costuming was gorgeous. The dancers stayed 'en pointe' for extended periods of time: very impressive. Very talented company. I was riveted every moment. Loved it.

From the opening note to the finish bow...this was an incredible performance !! The sound and lighting was spectacular...the costume detail was magnificent...but the dancing....spot on !! My only complaint...I wish the animal characters would have taken a more active role on stage...the oriental dragon was amazing but we only saw him for 10 seconds ???

Our first ballet ever and what a show to see for your first one! Definitely must see!!

Amazing and gratifying Ballet...! Since the beginning was a gorgeous and perfect ballet. I insist, as a California Ballet I would remove all the child in scene because, "the lovers of Ballet" we are looking for perfect adult dancers. Besides that, all was perfect and memorable. We appreciated that the soldier Nutcracker dancer was not a doll as in the California Ballet, and that Masha, the principal on the story, was a pro dancer instead a girl dancer.

I thought the level of talent in the ballet was incredible! The props and background were very simple, but you weren't really paying attention to that with the amount of dancing and choreography going on.

The Moscow Ballets' version of the Nutcracker was absolutely beautiful. My Mom said this was the best Christmas gift I ever could have given her.

We have seen this several times at the Fox; always a great experience! Performed by a core of Moscow Ballet dancers along with several dozen local dancers of all ages. The dancing is spectacular, the overall experience is just magical! Music, sets, lighting, the Fox staff, and the theatre itself make an event to be seen. Parking was a breeze at the Fox garage. Lunch at DaEduardo in the Fox building was fantastic. There was a football game at the same time, a block away, but the Detroit Police traffic control made it easy to get in and out.

What a beautiful performance! Amazing local children included in the cast. Beautiful costumes and fantastic orchestra!

The costumes and dancing were spectacular. The sets were minimaltist but you can understanding that coming from Moscow. Loads of children in the audience which was a bit distracting with their potty breaks during the performance. We took our granddaughter's "Flat Stanley" paper doll with us and the ballerina had her picture taken with him for free, which was a lovely gesture. This was as much a marketing/merchandising event as it was a dance event. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it.

The show was GREAT. The Moscow Ballet always entertains. There were some new aspects that were very creative. The Winged dancers were wonderful. It was extremely creative and entertaining. The thing I didn't like is that there lots of people with cell phones and cameras. I payed $70 a ticket and the lady next to me was blogging the entire show. She was constantly taking pictures also. The man in front of me was on his cell phone texting the entire performance. The were beeps and bings the entire show from texts and such., Very disappointing. I received a call back from the Peabody saying that no flash photography was allowed. I understand that kids are performing, but they should have a person tape the show and sell the dvds. It is distracting for others to have to sit through a show with inconsiderate people

The Nutcracker was unforgettable, music, dancing, skilled theatricals, and a touch of humor at a beautiful venue in Downtown Cleveland. Definitely recommended..

The ballet was beautiful. The dancers were amazing.

I thought this play was incredible with colorful & fantastic costumes! The dancing & choreography was just as great! Don't miss it !

I had the wonderful experience of seeing the Nutcracker on December 16 and enjoyed it thoroughly. I last saw the performance in North Carolina in 2010, and it only seems to get better. It was the same ballet company, and seeing it a second time was like seeing it for the first time. The performers were awesome. The costumes were beyond amazing, detailed and beautiful. The performance is a must see during the holiday season for all ages and truly sets the tone for this time of year. Absolutely love it and the atmosphere of Hippodrome Theater adds a touch of warmth, authenticity and vintage feel.

The show was excellent however city auditorium balcony seats were tight for a medium height person such as myself. I am only 5'5

I have wanted to see the Nutcracker for years and this did not disappoint! It was beautiful from the beginning to the end. The only negative was that the ushers would stand in the isle to direct people to their seats and you missed parts of the ballet every now and again. I don't think there were enough attendants for such a large event.

This was my first time going to see the Nutcracker. I was pleased with the performance. I think I am going to make this a yearly thing. I want to allow my friends and family to experience it. I would recommend this to all of my friends and family.

Costumes and routines are amazing! Great performance!

The show was very enjoyable, the dancing was marvelous. Lots of innovative free style Ballet along with the classic you expect to find in this epic work. Stage seemed small and the venue was comfortable had great seats in the orchestra section.

This was the first ballet I've ever seen, I loved it and my only wish is we had closer seats.

This version of the nutcracker was phenomenal. The floor seating was flat and in some areas was hard to see the stage.

My husband and I had a wonderful time, this was his first ballet and my first professional show. The dancers both professional and local were fun to watch and the music and lighting was great too. Just wished the doors would have sealed the daylight out downstairs, it was a bit distracting. Regardless we would be delighted to return for another performance!

I enjoyed this performance of the Nutcracker very much. It was so nice to see local dancers incorporated into the ballet. This is the best of many performances of the ballet I have seen. The costumes were beautiful. The dancers were very skilled. Thanks for bringing this performance to the Valle.

Show was nice, however the venue needs lots of TLC.

We decided to go at the last minute and were amazed. The show was outstanding in every way.

We had a very enjoyable time. So glad to be able to attend a performance like this.

We thoroughly enjoyed the ballet. The costumes were beautiful and the dancers were magical.

I would love to see this again. Very beautiful. Even my husband enjoyed it.

Incredibly disappointing... the music was blaring there was no orchestra... the local children dancing were a ridiculous distraction.

Fantastic show! Everything you would expect from a Christmas ballet. All the moves were phenomenal and touching. I can't wait for the next one!

The Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker is absolutely wonderful and absolutely magical and I think any person would love it!!!

One of the best performances of The Nutcracker I have seen. The costumes, sets, and especially the talent were amazing.

This is not the first time I see it on the Tivoli Theatre and they are always fantastic because it seems how much professionalism an hard working they put on it, me and my family enjoyed Thank you, sincerely Martin

Beyond expectations, the performers were excellent and the stage and props - enchanting!

Despite the fact that Music Hall is tired and needs to be refurbished, the Moscow Ballet dancers and set design were excellent and not hampered by the venue. The costumes deserve very special mention for their vibrant colors, intricate details, and ability to create beautiful scenes of whimsy and grandeur. Special mention goes to the scenes with the dancers in the Russian Variation for their incredible athleticism, and to the dancers in the Arabian Variation for their gravity defying yet soft and elegant performance. Though I prefer live musicians, the performers were so captivating that even the recorded score did not take away from the event. All in all a very enjoyable performance.

WE HAVE SEEN THE MOSCOW BALLET SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS AND IT NEVER CEASES TO BE AWESOME! THE COSTUMES ARE AMAZING, BEAUTIFULLY TAILORED AND THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONAL DANCE PRODUCTIONS - LOVE ARABIAN ! I REALIZE THIS IS A BALLET GEARED TO CHILDREN (OF ALL AGES) BUT IN SOME ACTS THE ' NUMBER' OF EXTRA CHILD DANCERS ON STAGE DISTRACTED FROM THE PROFESSIONAL SOLOS AND DUETS. THAT BEING SAID I DO RECOGNIZE THAT IT IS AN HONOR AND HIGHLIGHT OF THESE YOUNG DANCERS' YEAR - TO BE ABLE TO BE ON STAGE WITH A PRO TROUPE !!

The sets and costumes for the Moscow Ballet's "The Nutcracker" were absolutely beautiful and got the production off to a great start. Often the first scene is just partygoers walking into the house, but in this version there was a lot of dancing. In the second act, when the Spanish, Arabian, etc. dancers perform, there were children and young women on the stage as well (basically just standing around). I'm sure they were from the local troupe, and I applaud the effort, but it was very distracting - really took away from the main dances and just cluttered up the stage. While the main dancers (Masha and the Prince) were excellent, the troupe had no depth - the same dancer performed the parts of Clara ("Masha" in this production), the Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy - usually three different dancers. The choreography was great - different from other productions I've seen. All in all, a good show, but not the best ---

The ballet as always was perfect and flawless. The performers are beyond talented. ButI am really embarassed at how the audienced behaved. They hooted, hollered, laughed, whistled, and did not give a standing ovation. And there were people in jeans, camo, nightclub wear, and just tacky clothing. This is not how you behave at a professional ballet. These performers deserve way better than what we gave.

A definite must see. I was on leave for the holidays and took my wife. She loved it so much as did I. 10/10!

The Nutcracker was spectacular! Lovely music, decorations, dancing! I whole-heartedly loved it!

The two principal dancers were impressive. I compare the performance to the Milwaukee performance of the Nutcracker, which I saw several times. This traveling performance of the Moscow ballet wasn't even close to the Milwaukee performance. The music is recorded and played on a good sound system, yet there are no musicians at all who play over the soundtrack. Clara or Mash (the young protagonist) was played by a wonderful dancer, yet it was hard to see her as the young excited girl because the ballerina looked more like her mother. Many of the costumes seemed aged and wrinkled. Out seats were very close, so we could see performers shuffling off stage and there were far to many moments when the magic of the Nutcracker was broken by shabby reality. If you go sit in the back and squint.

Outstanding. Great music and beautiful sets and Dancers were fantastic.

The show was wonderful. What fantastic talent. We are still talking about it. I was surprised at all the crackling snacks that were allowed into the venue. Many places don't allow as it is disturbing to other members of the audience.

Lackluster, disappointing, and rather boring. Even as a lover of dance and ballet, I thought the whole thing was mediocre at best.

We so much loved our time at the Russian Nutcracker. The cast seemed to be enjoying each other and their task of entertaining us. I believe the theatre was filled and all seemed to be awed by costumes and dancing.