The Eugene Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a long-standing tradition of many Lane County families. During the show’s introduction by Suzanne Haag and Jennifer Martin, Haag prompted the crowd to raise their hands if they were returning to the show from last year and a large number of the crowd shot their hands up in the air eagerly.
The Nutcracker performances mark the beginning of the Eugene Ballet’s season titled, “Toni’s Season.” Martin explained the company’s reasoning behind the title for the 2025 season this way: “We are calling it ‘Toni’s tribute season’ to dedicate it to her artistry. All of our ballets have been choreographed by Toni this season.”
Toni Pimble is Eugene Ballet’s artistic director who has been with the company for 46 years.
The production stayed true to the timeless Nutcracker Suite, with Orchestra Next delivering a flawless and emotive rendition of Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. The musicians’ precision and passion elevated every scene, creating a rich and immersive atmosphere that captivated the audience as you could see the audience visibly leaning in.
The story opens with a toy maker and his assistant diligently preparing gifts for customers before presenting Clara with a beautiful nutcracker during a festive and lively holiday party. As the evening unfolds Clara falls asleep and her dreams take her on a magical journey.
The dream begins with mischievous mice stealing the nutcracker who then transforms into a life-sized figure to battle the formidable Mouse King. The stage came alive during this intense sequence featuring a dramatic pirate ship set with intricate lighting effects, and the clash of metal swords echoing throughout the theater.
Cannons roared as pieces of the ship appeared to break apart creating a thrilling and unforgettable scene that had the audience gasping and shouting “Wow!”.
Following the battle Clara and the Nutcracker embark on a whimsical adventure soaring high above in a balloon. Their journey introduces them to a world of enchantment including the regal Ice King and Queen, vibrant Marzipan dancers, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy.
Each character brought their own unique charm and grace to the performance. The Sugar Plum Fairy’s solo was a highlight demonstrating incredible strength, agility and artistry as she lept effortlessly into the air and executed complex movements including moments where she held herself aloft using only the power of her legs.
The audience responded with audible gasps and applause marveling at the breathtaking athleticism and beauty on display.
Audience members of all ages clapped along to the music and reacted with audible delight to the dancers’ flawless execution and the spectacle unfolding on stage. The intricate costumes, stunning set designs, and seamless choreography create a magical and immersive experience. From the shimmering snowflakes to the vibrant characters of the Land of Sweets, every detail was meticulously crafted to bring this holiday classic to life.
The performance concluded with Clara awakening from her dream, leaving the audience enchanted and filled with the warmth of the holiday spirit.
The Eugene Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker remains a masterpiece, drawing families back year after year to experience this timeless tradition’s joy, wonder and magic.For future Orchestra next performances, go to www.orchestranext.com. For the Eugene Ballet, check out https://eugeneballet.org , and for shows at the Hult Center, go to www.HultCenter.org .
