REVIEW - Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana is a joyful and vibrant reimagining of a festive classic!

On Monday, we went to Lowry, Salford to see Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana. See what our reviewer, Lizzie Johnston thought about this amazing production...

The Nutcracker has to be one of the most popular ballets. A festive treat that many have come to know and love, whether it’s from the ballet itself, Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score, or a film adaptation. For me, The Nutcracker takes me back to being little and watching the Barbie version with my sister - a video we had playing on repeat. It’s always been a favorite of mine, so I just had to take the opportunity to see Carlos Acosta’s Cuban take on the classic in The Nutcracker in Havana.

The Nutcracker is a festive classic mixing childhood innocence with pure magic and imagination. It tells the story of Clara, who embarks on a magical journey after receiving a Nutcracker doll as a gift. Acosta’s reimagining of the Nutcracker is the perfect representation of how to add your own flair and style but without taking away everything that is loved about the traditional take - just this time infused with the vibrant energy of Cuban culture. From the moment the curtain rises, you’re transported into the lively streets of Havana, where each scene pulses with rhythm, color, and life, giving the classic a refreshing and exhilarating new vibe.
 

What struck me most about this production was how seamlessly Acosta merged traditional ballet with the infectious energy of Afro-Cuban dance. The choreography was a beautiful mix of elegance and flair, with dancers moving effortlessly between classical ballet and the fiery rhythms of Cuban movement. Every step felt full of life, with each dancer bringing something unique to their role. It really breathed a new life into the show. 

Alejandro Silva’s (National Ballet of Cuba, Acosta Danza) portrayal of the Nutcracker Prince was mesmerising, effortlessly capturing the strength and grace of the character while exuding a warmth and passion that perfectly matched the Cuban setting. His chemistry with Clara, danced by Adria Diaz (Acosta Danza), was electric — you could feel their connection in every graceful lift and leap. Diaz’s Clara was a delight to watch, filled with youthful energy and curiosity, making her transformation into the dream world even more magical.

The role of Clara’s mysterious uncle who returns to Havana with a new interest in magic, Tio Elias Drosselmeyer, was brought to life by Alexander Varona (Push, Still Current, Flux) whose performance on stage drew the audience in as he wove his spell over the dancers and the story itself, bringing to life the magic of the Nutcracker.

One of the most memorable moments for me was Laura Rodriguez’s (Swan Lake, The Dying Swan, Nutcracker) performance as the Sugar Plum Fairy, it has to be a standout across any production of the Nutcracker. With her impeccable technique and stage presence, she brought an undeniable elegance to the role. Her performance stood out from the rest of the production as it stuck to the traditional style of a ballet, making it a mesmerising moment.

The set design was equally enchanting, with bold colors and festive visuals that brought the streets of Havana to life. From the stunning costumes to the vibrant backdrops, every detail helped immerse the audience in a world that was both familiar and entirely new. The use of beaded curtains and projections helped the story move along from the streets of Havana to the magical world of The Kingdom of Sweets. 

Mixed with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, and infused with Cuban rhythms, gave the entire production an exciting pulse. The fusion of the classical and modern in the score was thrilling and complemented the choreography perfectly, making every moment feel fresh and alive.

The score was amplified with the use of traditional clogs, adding a fresh beat on stage coming straight from the dancers. It was vibrant, energetic and fun, putting a smile on everyone’s faces. 

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is a joyful and vibrant reimagining of a festive classic, and it’s one that I won’t soon forget. It celebrates Cuban culture, dance, and music in a way that feels both authentic and exhilarating, while still retaining the charm and magic of the original. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Nutcracker or new to the story, this production is an absolute must-see. 

WE SCORE CARLOS ACOSTA'S NUTCRACKER IN HAVANA...

Carlos Acosta's Nutcracker in Havana is on at Lowry, Salford until Tue 28th January 2025.



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