Friday night, I had a hot date to the Nutcracker Ballet. His idea–and a surprise at that, we got all dressed up and walked over to the Long Center. It was my first time at the new place since it opened earlier this year, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The entryway plaza is huge, airy, and affords a beautiful view of downtown Austin from behind Auditorium Shores. Inside, the theatre is graceful and tall, easily functional, and there are plenty of bathroom stalls–very important.
The ballet itself was beautiful, full of the energy and action that makes The Nutcracker so unique and so fun to see over and over again. The dancers were talented and energetic, and the costumes were floaty and glittery, which is requisite for the ballet. The celebrity guest for Mother Ginger was Stephen Moser, the fashion writer for the Chronicle. His over-the-top personality doesn’t generally sit well with me, but even I have to admit that he made a very funny and fun over-the-top Mother Ginger.
So it was a great night. The Long Center was great, the ballet was great, my company was great … tonight and tomorrow are your last chances to see the show–don’t miss it!