Melody Mennite plays Clara in artistic director Stanton Welch’s $5 million new production of the classic ballet.
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Melody Mennite plays Clara in artistic director Stanton Welch’s $5 million new production of the classic ballet.
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A total of 143 new costume designs were conceptualized by Tim Goodchild.
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A total of 143 new costume designs were conceptualized by Tim Goodchild.
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Mackenzie Richter soars as the Snow Queen across the ethereal stage, also designed by Goodchild. A total of 5 new sets were constructed by 67 technicians in London and shipped to Houston.
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Mackenzie Richter soars as the Snow Queen across the ethereal stage, also designed by Goodchild. A total of 5 new sets were constructed by 67 technicians in London and shipped to Houston.
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The exquisite new costumes incorporate more than 100 yards of netting for tutus and petticoats, along with 450 square feet of synthetic rat hair for the Mouse King and company.
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The exquisite new costumes incorporate more than 100 yards of netting for tutus and petticoats, along with 450 square feet of synthetic rat hair for the Mouse King and company.
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A total of 116 student dancers comprise the cast of 282 characters—142 more than choreographer Ben Stevenson’s 1987 version.
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A total of 116 student dancers comprise the cast of 282 characters—142 more than choreographer Ben Stevenson’s 1987 version.
From new stages to elaborate costumes, Houston Ballet’s multi-million dollar revamp of The Nutcracker is a feast for the eyes. Here, we do the numbers on how they created the larger-than-life restaging. But don’t worry—the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King, Nutcracker Prince and friends maintain their century-old charms.
Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Thru Dec 27. From $19. Brown Theater at Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave. 713-523-6300. houstonballet.com
Jeanne grew up in Cajun country where the bayous look a little different from the Bayou City’s. After graduating from LSU, she garnered lifestyle editorial experience on staff at New Orleans Weddings, Southern Living and Country Living magazines, as well as freelancing for Architectural Digest, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Brides and Coastal Living magazines. After living throughout the Southeast, Jeanne and her husband packed up their boots for Texas in June 2016 and haven’t looked back thanks to Tex-Mex, bluebonnets and bigger hair.
When she’s not covering the world-renowned arts scene of Houston, Jeanne can be found walking her hound dog Pepper in the Heights, braking for antique markets that rarely have air conditioning or rearranging her living room furniture (again).
