Ovation to Kick Off Second Annual Nutcracker Battle
Viewers Can Sample Six Different Versions of Holiday Classic
By Linda Moss -- Multichannel News, 10/27/2008 6:24:00 AM
Ovation TV this year will offer “Battle of the Nutcrackers—Grudge Match” by offering six diverse productions of the beloved holiday classic, officials said Monday.
Once again viewers will be asked to crown their favorite with their online votes at http://www.OvationTV.com. Hosted by Mark Morris, the choreographer of last year’s favorite production Hard Nut, the “Battle of the Nutcrackers—Grudge Match” will kick off Nov. 30.
“Last year, we thought we’d have a little fun with one of the most beloved holiday traditions and turn it into a tongue-in-cheek ‘battle,’” Kris Slava, Ovation TV’s senior vice president of programming and production, said in a prepared statement. “This year, we’re calling it a ‘grudge match’ as the 2007 winner—Mark Morris’s Hard Nut—is facing some serious challengers. We’re so delighted that Mark himself will be hosting the event this year. All of these productions are as delightful as they are diverse so it will be exciting to see which one our viewers vote as their favorite Nutcracker of 2008.”
“Battle of the Nutcrackers—Grudge Match” includes the following titles:
-- Mark Morris’s Hard Nut—Last year’s reigning champ in “The Battle of the Nutcrackers” takes on the challenge once again, leading the pack of worthy contenders, on Nov. 30.
-- George Balanchine’s Nutcracker—This is one of the most beloved stagings of the holiday classic. A young girl’s love turns a toy soldier into a handsome prince. Starring Darci Kistler, Macaulay Culkin, narrated by Kevin Kline and featuring the New York City Ballet, on Dec. 1.
-- Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!—This production is full of pathos and theatrical magic. From a hilariously bleak Christmas Eve at Dr. Dross’ Orphanage, to the spectacular candy folk of Sweetieland, Clara’s journey passes through Oliver Twist, the Icecapades and the kaleidoscopic fantasy of Busby Berkeley musicals, on Dec. 2.
-- Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker—This legendary holiday ballet performed by the Bolshoi Ballet. Featuring Natalya Arkhipova and Irek Mukhamedov. Choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich, on Dec. 3.
-- Béjart’s Nutcracker—This innovative reimagining of The Nutcracker, this staging by acclaimed choreographer Maurice Béjart departs from the traditional Nutcracker story in virtually every way but the music. And even the score is adjusted to include French popular music, which is performed onstage by accordion legend Yvette Horner. Béjart, who passed away just before Christmas last year, uses the Nutcracker as a vehicle to explore his personal story, on Dec. 4.
-- Nutcracker: The Motion Picture—A very traditional staging with sets and costumes designed by children’s book writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak, best known for the classic Where The Wild Things Are. Performed by The Pacific Northwest Ballet, this Nutcracker is one of the most beloved contemporary versions. It closely refers to the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, which adds a darker feel than the standard version. Directed by noted cinematographer Carroll Ballard this film is sophisticated and elegant with graceful dancing and vibrant sets, on Dec. 5.
Offering new insight and commentary into this year’s “Nutcracker” contenders will be celebrated American modern dancer, choreographer and director Morris.
Viewers will be able to see clips of Nutcracker performances online at www.OvationTV.com before they cast their final votes. The Viewers’ Choice will be aired on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and a Christmas Day marathon featuring all six Nutcrackers will kick off at 8 a.m.
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