Ricardo Montalban Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)
The Nutcracker is one of the most beautiful Christmas tales of all time. In this historical debut in the United States, Ballet del Noreste of Mexico brings to the stage Mexico's and Cuba's National Ballet premier ballerinas along with a stunning cast of 70 dancers and singers. See below for event description in Spanish.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
All dates for this event have expired.
The last event was Saturday December 15, 2007 / 8:00pm. (view all dates)
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The performance, itself, was wonderful. The dancers were terrific and I was really impressed that some of the dancers, despite not being more than possibly 5 years old, were so talented.
Now for the downside...the organization was unacceptable. This started from picking up tickets from Will Call, as there was a very long line and only one window open for both Will Call and tickets to be purchased. I did not make it into the theatre until 8:15pm, 15 minutes after the play was scheduled to start and there were plenty of antsy people behind me.
The play did not even start until about 8:50pm, nearly an hour behind schedule. Then for the first 5 minutes of the play, the floodlights (that allowed people to find their seats) in the theatre remained on before someone finally thought to turn them off.
The first act concluded within about 30 minutes and the 15 minute intermission became more like 30 minutes.
During the second act, someone thought it would be a good idea to turn on the air conditioning to freeze not only the patrons but the dancers, as well.
I have been to the Ricardo Montalban Theatre before to see "Zorro In Hell" and that production went flawlessly, so I will fault the production itself for El Cascanueces rather than the theatre, itself. It is a shame that such wonderful performances by the dancers were overshadowed by horrible organization.
Great play but the sound people need help big time, lots of background noise and the speakers were crackin with sound.
But over all it was good
The ballet was fine but my friend and I left early. The smell was too much. Someone please hire a cleaning crew for that poor theater!
WAS A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE. I DON'[T THINK IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT BACK
Venue had technical difficulties and the term "professional" company was misleading. Children were a delight to watch and intimacy of the theater a plus.
I have to agree with Raymond...Start time was a big issue for us we missed our (aftershow) dinner and the kids were antsy.
Sound needs to be checked and taken care of before the performance.
Intermission was too long there was no announcement or flickering lights that warn that the intermission is ending and it’s time to turn off your cellphone and get back to your seat.
Eating was allowed in the theatre during the performance and hearing the rustling bags of chips behind me was annoying.
Although I speak and read spanish I do wish the written program was in spanish AND english.
For the positive - It isn't television!
We purchased two sets of tickets which were combined (without our asking and very thoughtful) and our group sat together.
The performers appeared to put in 100 and 10 percent and the children were great!
I believe this theatre is fairly new so supporting it will help it grow and with it's growth we can better serve our community by keeping the performing arts alive and we can give our children alternatives.
Please don't forget a stronger financial base will help with production costs in the future. But I must say the production team can be stronger, you don't need money for that. It's time for tough love and professionalism. I for one would go again next year and look for all the positive improvements.
GOLDSTAR--- Your services are invaluable we have taken the children to see the West Coast Symphony Orchestra, The Cirque and now a Ballet. It's like Christmas all year long!!
Thank you!!
Very professional performers. Would definitely go again next year if they come again. Would recommend it to everyone.
Excellent holiday show.
The performance didn't begin until 8:55 p.m., not 8 p.m. The intro was all in Spanish. The theater should be shut down and remodeled or torn down. Outdoor parking lot lights are on the walls and blinding, they were kept on for about 10 min. when the ballet began,the speakers and sound system are AWFUL. The intermission was about 10-15 min. too long and all the lights were turned off so you couldn't find your way back to your seat. Guests used their cell phones for light. The sound for the second act was so loud the kids put their hands over their ears. No lights were put on when the ballet was over, so you couldn't see where you were going. The ballet was just so, so and was spoiled by the entire experience.
The most boring and uninspiring Nutcracker ever. (I've attended other "Nutcracker" performances through Goldstar with excellent dancers and performances.) I walked out half way through the performance. I could not stand it any more. There was no dancing, the dancers were just moving around most of the time. This was good for small children, but not for adults.
Very dissapointing.
Excellent production of a old favorite....Bravo!!!
I agree with the comments written by Raymond. I was at the show the same night and was really disappointed at how unorganized the entire event was, from the moment I arrived and had to wait in a long line for my tickets to the flood flights and the HORRIBLE sound system. The children were really adorable, but there were too many other distractions that I actually left during intermission. I'm glad I did, because I'm sure the extra long intermission and freezing theatre would have only irritated me more.
Bought the tickets for my mom & my daughter, they LOVED IT! I thank you for your great tickets and great customer service! I purchase tickets from you for all kinds of events & gifts! Your customer service reps are wonderful in an ole' fashion kind of way...the days when customers were respected and serviced. Thanks again for your service & great attitude! I recommend you ALL the time!
The audience was so rude and noisy - crying babies, constant talking, a shotty sound system, and a skipping soundtrack. We were seated right against the directors panel- and had problems concentrating on the production against him barking out orders over the walkie talkie.
The 1,000-seat theater is the latest remodeling of a historic Hollywood theatre (built by architects Myron Hunt and HC Chambers) dates back to the 1920s. Most recently known as the James A. Doolittle Theatre and previously the Huntington Hartford, it is co-owned by Nosotros and the foundation.
El Cascanueces es sin duda el mas bello cuento de navidad de todos los tiempos. Con mas de 70 actores y bailarines hispanos en escena, El Ballet del Noroeste de Mexico produccion marca un precedente historico en los Estados Unidos. Dentro del elenco artistico se encuentran los primeros bailarines del Ballet Nacional de Mexico y de Cuba. Este especatulode acuerdo con los criticos, es considerado como uno de los mejores del mundo. Esta Navidad, disfrute de la majia y maravilla del Cascanueces.
The Nutcracker is one of the most beautiful Christmas stories of all time. In this historical debut in the United States, Ballet del Noreste of Mexico brings to the stage Mexico’s and Cuba’s National Ballet premier ballerinas along with a stunning cast of 70 dancers and singers. Critics have declared Ballet Mexico's version of this family tale of magic and love as one of the world’s best productions. This Christmas, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of The Nutcracker.
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