For some, humor of 'nutty Nutcracker' falls flat

[January 02, 2009]  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- For some ballet lovers, leaping and laughing do not mix.

A special, humor-enhanced Christmas Eve performance of Ballet West's "The Nutcracker" drew at least one request for a ticket refund. The office of Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon even received an angry call from someone asking that the county stop funding the ballet company.

The 20 surprise touches in the performance included a recurring "Where's Waldo" character, a rubber chicken that the Drosselmeyer character unveils during the party scene and extra appearances of a mechanical mouse usually seen in the battle scene.

It was the first year Ballet West had put on a "nutty Nutcracker," which other ballet companies around the country have turned into a popular tradition. Ballet West officials said that whatever they do next time, they hope to better inform potential ticket buyers of what to expect.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com/

[Associated Press]

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