Well, it wasn't a repertory piece in the traditional sense. Parker was actually trying out new ideas for a piece he'll be premiering in Europe this fall. He was asked to do a sorta disco Nutcracker (which I find odd since the revamped modern Nutcracker thing has been done by Mark Morris and Maurice Bejart and others I'm sure). But anyway, he started to mix the two and he's always used sound and rhythm...so, much of the piece consisted of these intricate rhythm phrases with the sounds of our bare feet hitting the floor and clapping etc. Both disco and Nutcracker music was used. One of the sections I was in was actually a variation of the Hustle done to Trepak--I've never moved so fast in my life. I think the overall effect was pretty humorous.
Watching him work was pretty interesting as well. He just sat back and allowed his company members to run the rehearsals and every once in a while he'd make a comment or jump up when he had an idea. It was like you could see the wheels turning.
During the "meet the artist" section of his company's performance he showed the audience more of the Nutcracker phrases that he'd been working with. So...when I think about how this whole "Nutcracker Fever" piece was merely a testing ground for something much bigger, I'm convinced that the final product will be amazing.
At our performance, he gave us all candy with a "nut" theme. Each piece had some kinda nuts in it.
Overall, it was a great experience.
Allison
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