So you think know your "Nutcracker"? Here are some facts, figures and anecdotes about the most famous ballet in the world.
When was the first "Nutcracker"?
Dec. 17, 1892: Reputedly the first performance of the "Nutcracker" at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. Reportedly, it was poorly received by critics and audiences.
Who wrote "Nutcracker"?
Peter Tchaikovsky, possibly the greatest composer of ballet music ("Swan Lake," "Sleeping Beauty"), was hired by choreographer Marius Petipa to write the music.
Where was the "Nutcracker" first performed in the United States?
On Dec. 24, 1944, Willam Christensen directed the first American production for the San Francisco Ballet.
Who are some of the main characters?
In most versions, the young girl is Clara. In several, it's Marie, who has an enhanced role. Drosselmeyer is the mysterious friend of the family who brings unusual gifts and gives Clara the Nutcracker. As part of Clara's dreams, the tree in the house grows to gargantuan proportions, and the Nutcracker becomes a prince after beating the Mouse King. Other characters include dancing snowflakes, international dancers and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Facts about San Francisco Ballet's "Nutcracker":
-- Battle fatigue: The war took its toll on the first "Nutcracker" production. The company had a budget of $1,000 for 143 costumes and took a cue from "Gone With the Wind," using the material from old stage curtains.
-- In comparison: The current production, choreographed by Helgi Tomasson and premiered on Dec. 17, 2004, features 300 costumes.
Onstage celebrity sightings:
-- In 1986, when Ballet San Jose premiered its "Nutcracker," Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak played the Chestnut Vendor in Act 1.
-- St. Louis Cardinals and then-Oakland A's manager Tony La Russa often recruited athletes to play soldiers in a benefit for the Oakland Ballet Company's "Nutcracker." Among the players who have performed were Roger Craig of the 49ers, Dave Stewart of the A's and Shawn Estes of the Giants. Brian Copeland of "Not a Genuine Black Man" also was part of La Russa's toy-soldier crew.
(Sources include San Francisco Ballet, Ballet San Jose, Oakland Ballet and the Internet.)
(E-mail Leba Hertz at lhertz(at)sfchronicle.com.)
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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