2014 is the swan song for PNB’s distinctive Nutcracker.  After 31 years, the brainchild of Founding Director Kent Stowell and beloved children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, bids adieu to northwest audiences. Next year there will be a new take on Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker.

I hadn’t been to a performance for many years, and though sad to see Stowell and Sendak’s Nutracker move on, I really wanted one last parting visit. So a babysitter was secured, tickets were purchased, and Big Papa and I made our way across town on a quintessentially rainy December Seattle night.

Our evening was going to be noteworthy for one other special reason: we were going to have a backstage tour care of our cousin Lauren, who works for PNB. This opportunity was extremely exciting for me, because one of the unique things about PNB’s Nutcracker are the fantastical sets and costumes designed by Maurice Sendak.

Lauren met us at the stage side door and off we went…past the canons that, when fired during the show, always make me jump a foot off my seat. The Mouse King’s tail hung on a hook, looking more like a fire hose than the hindquarters of a rat.

We made our way by the ropes and pulleys–112 of them to be exact–that allow stage hands to position pieces of the set on stage, some weighing hundreds of pounds. Each rope had a label with its specific function, like operating the “snow bags” which send a flurry of faux flakes onto the stage at key moments to give the impression of winter.

Next we headed up the stage elevator to the loading gallery. Exiting the elevator we were asked if either of us was afraid of heights. I said no. Big Papa paused for a moment, and echoed my no.

Then we took a look over the edge. It was a long way down to the stage below. Emphasis on long way.

The ropes and wires reminded me of the rigging on a sailing ship. When you take into account how each piece of the set has to move in and out, up and down, you realize that what you see on stage, as a member of the audience, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Back at stage level, we took a closer look at all things Nutcracker, like Clara’s famous bed, which looks pretty uncomfortable, a fact confirmed by our lovely tour guide. Or the trusty steeds ridden by young boys. I picked one up and estimate it weighed at least 40 pounds, which is a lot of weight to carry if you intend to prance about on a stage.

We wandered by exquisite masks, and the aforementioned snow. The myriad details that seamlessly fall into place during the show.

There was the birdcage, the dollhouse, toy guns and swords, an enormous Christmas tree that unfolds at the strike of midnight, growing taller and taller to dizzying heights.

Waves of amazement washed over me as we meandered past each piece of the set, all the individual elements that–when put together–tell E.T. A. Hoffman’s story of young girl, Clara, who, on Christmas Eve, falls asleep after a party at her home and dreams herself into a world where toys become larger than life. Her beloved Nutcracker, a gift from her godfather, comes to life to defend her from the evil Mouse King, and then is turned into a prince after Clara saves his life.

Finally we made our way back to our seats and settled ourselves to watch the performance. When the curtain rose, I was in awe. Having had a rare glimpse of the Herculean efforts and minutia of coordination that happen behind the scenes, the performance seemed even more spectacular. I had wondered if knowing a few secrets of the set might spoil the mystery of our theater experience. It did not. If anything, it made our evening at PNB’s Nutcraker even more magical!

PNB’s Nutcracker continues through December 28. Catch a show while you still can!

Take the road less traveled, Beth

And a huge thank you to Lauren for a wonderfully memorable tour!