MPAC Nutcracker Ballet

(Theater Review By: Delani Ennis)

On Saturday, December 3rd, and Sunday, December 4th, 2016, the “Milford Performing Arts Center, MPAC,” unveiled their version of “The Nutcracker” for the fifteenth year in a row in the Delaware Vally High School auditorium. Based on Alexandre Dumas Père’s adaptation of the tale that was originally written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and was set to music by composer Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky.

The story takes place in Nuremberg, Germany in 1816. The ballet, consisting of two acts, tells the story of a magical Christmas Eve celebration, after which a young girl’s favorite gift, a nutcracker, comes to life. The Nutcracker leads the girl, Clara, on an enchanted journey, in which they encounter a Rat King and his army, fairies, queens, and living dolls.

MPAC performers include dancers aged as young as age 2 through 18 year old, as well as special appearances by parents and grandparents throughout the show. Costumes where beautiful and well designed to fit the dancer in each part. The stage was very well set, and dressed in the appropriate lighting. Tchaikovsky’s music rang throughout the auditorium, as the aspiring dancers used the excellent choreography to tell the classic tale. Tickets were sold at the door for $5 for children/seniors and $10 for adults . All in all, everything fit together perfectly, and made for a memorable afternoon.