Der Nussknacker.
Last night, on Christmas, we went to see the Nutcracker at the German Opera House.
The building is modern and with little fanfare. Totally works. One of the things they do there, which is genius and I wish they would do in NYC, is there is a huge coat check. A coat check that is large enough – I believe 16 stations in all – to make sure that everybody checks their coat. How civilized. Another nicety is that at intermission, you can buy beautiful appetizers. Salmon, prosciutto, on toast etc. Not candy bars wrapped up. Also, real glasses to drink out of. Even at the Xmas market yesterday, everything is served on real plates. You pay an extra fee and get it back when you return your dish or class. Love that.
I grew up listening to and playing classical music, so I know Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite which is an added bonus. Enjoying the music is the best part. The production didn't tell the story as well as other productions I have seen of the Nutcracker but the dancing was beautiful. Some of the costumes were magnificent. Jessica thought it was beautiful, Emily appreciated the experience as did Josh. Josh had never been to the ballet. Everyone was blown away by the sheer physical stature of the dancers. You can't not be.
As a whole, I am not really a fan of ballet. Have tried. Appreciate the beauty but the art doesn't rock my world. Regardless, The Nutcracker was the perfect thing to see on Xmas. The funniest thing about the entire evening is the end. As a family, we have been to so many live events that we know how to exit the place. Once everyone started to stand up for the many bravos that were about to take place, we beelined it out to get our coats before everyone came, ran out the door and grabbed the first cab over to dinner. It was almost instinctual.
You can take the family out of NYC but you can't take NYC out of the family.
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Comments (Archived):
Dear Joanne,Glad you are enjoying Berlin. Definitely go see the Pergamon Museum (probably near your hotel if you are staying in the East) and the Peter Eisenmann Holocost Memorial (the sculptures… pretty amazing). I would avoid the Zoo (the center of W. Berlin) and Checkpoint Charlie. Walk around Prenslauerberg (Williamsburg equivalent) to cafes and bars. And Potsdam is pretty interesting if you have time for a day trip… but maybe not so great if it is cold since walking outside is nice. I also like the Tier Park in the Center of Berlin (right near Brandenberg Gate). I used to live in Kreuzberg (the ‘alternative’ neighborhood in W. Berlin — but right near the E. Berlin border). It is a great city but hard to walk… everything is very spread out.
Agreed but after 2 bravos, I¹ve had enough.
As a person who has been involved with theatre for many years I wish you would reconsider bolting out of a live performance before the applause is finished. I always find the people squeezing by me at a performance to be rude and inconsiderate (also, annoying as I have to move out of the way for them while I am trying to applaud.) This isn’t a movie, stay and show your appreciation for the performers.
“You pay an extra fee and get it back when you return your dish or glass. Love that. “Even at the street festivals the beer stands do this with their plastic cups… of course it took me several beers to realize why people were being so “considerate” and bringing all their cups back when they got another :/
That¹s hilarious