This December my family and I were #Hosted by Caroline Calouche & Co.
at the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Clara’s Trip is a modern and inclusive update on the same old ballet we see every year. With all your favorite songs from the original Nutcracker, we experience the same magic with a twisted story.
Clara’s character is introduced to us in a modern day party scene complete with twerking, flossing, and selfies. Clara breaks her ankle, and begins having some eclectic dreams! This leads to some incredible dance numbers and acrobatics in the following acts!
Don’t worry, you will not miss your favorite Nutcracker ballet scenes. You still get that ONE classic snow scene, but this time it’s made a little but more entertaining with aerial silk acrobatics!
Athletes or Dancers?
The talent of these dancers was overwhelming. The versatility of the dancers made the show. In one scene the dancers and killing it in classical ballet, then they are flying around on a silk, flipping on a bar 15+ feet in the air, then stomping around on huge stilts. It may be more accurate to call these dancers athletes.
Most shows that I see have a clear stand out, but it was difficult to pinpoint someone. Each dancer excelled in at least one area of dance and gymnastics.
But if I had to pick out a dancer that I noticed – it would be Javier Gonzales. He was graceful, a hilarious comedic performer, and an emotional dancer. Javier, you were amazing.
Costuming
I cannot finish this review without mentioning the costuming. It was beautiful. Not too fussy – like the old fashioned ballet. But these costumes were a perfect pair to the emotion of each scene.
There were so many costume changes that you will loose track of how many dancers there are in the show!
My Favorite Scene in Clara’s Trip
My favorite scene was the Rose Flower scene. It was so magical with 3 silk acrobatic performers, all the dancers, and red rose petals slowly floating down from the ceiling. It was magic that you can only experience in live theater. You have to see it for yourself.
Should you see Clara’s Trip?
Simple answer. Yes! Go see Clara’s Trip. I recommend this show for ages 5 and up! It’s a perfect “first show” for kids. It’s also a wonderful date night out in Charlotte, NC. (FYI there’s a full bar during the intermission).
Christmas Spirit of Clara’s Trip
After the show ended and I was walking out with my kids, I thought to myself, “Ok, now it feels like Christmas!”. Seeing a show like this will really put your into the Holiday spirit.
I also think it’s so important to expose my kids to all outlets of art. Tickets to a show like this is a wonderful Christmas gift for the Minimalist in your life. It’s a zero waste gift that doesn’t turn into clutter!
Personally I think this show should be performed on a bigger stage. The magnitude of the talent should be showcased on a grander scale. Maybe Next year!
But for this year, I suggest you grab a ticket soon. Use Promo Code: Meg5 to get $5 off your ticket. Click here to choose your tickets: Clara’s Trip |Â Caroline Calouche & Co. | Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
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