Set brings 'Nutcracker' to life
By NICK ROGERS for The State Journal-Register, Illinois

The Springfield Ballet Company's investment in new sets for its annual production of "The Nutcracker" was one of the best it has ever made.
Like an ornate children's pop-up book writ large, the new sets on the Sangamon Auditorium stage were as vibrant during Saturday afternoon's performance as the dancers.

This magnificent technical accomplishment, designed by Peter Horne, was an excellent complement to the SBC's elegant retelling of the classic story of young Clara, the nutcracker she's given for Christmas and the fantastic dream she has of it coming to life.

From the intricate spires and columns of the Silberhaus home in the opening party scene to the lush oranges and pinks of Act II's Land of the Sweets, the sets were an absolute marvel. Even better was its easy transitional qualities; scenes changed with little distraction from the onstage action.

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