reviewed by Paula Citron
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Group of Seven Nutcracker
Ballet Jörgen
Choreographed by Bengt Jörgen
Starring Tara Butler, Hampus Gauffin, Drew Berry, Maclean Frey, Daniele Rosengren and Preston McBain
At the Betty Oliphant Theatre
Ontario tour continues Dec. 22 and 23 in Kingston, Dec. 28 in Kitchener, and Dec. 28 and 29 in Markham.
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Ballet Jörgen Canada calls itself “your local ballet company” for good reason. BJC tirelessly tours the provinces on behalf of bringing ballet to all. They are currently on an Ontario tour with Bengt Jörgen’s Group of Seven Nutcracker, but they did manage to come in for a landing at the Betty Oliphant Theatre so Toronto could see this charming work.
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection has given permission for three Group of Seven paintings to be used as backdrops. Jörgen has carefully kept the original story intact while cleverly converting it to Canadianisms. The Christmas party takes place in the local schoolhouse. The toys handed out are carved Canadian animals. The Nutcracker journey is in a canoe, while the Sugar Plum Fairy and her swain are Lord and Lady Birch and so on.
The Ontario tour of Ballet Jörgen Canada’s delightful Group of Seven Nutcracker continues Dec. 22 and 23 in Kingston, Dec. 28 in Kitchener, and Dec. 29 and 30 in Markham.