FICTION

The Nutcracker Comes to America

by Chris BARTON
illus. by Cathy Gendron. 36p. chron. ebook available. further reading. photos. Millbrook. 2015. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781467721516.
COPY ISBN
RedReviewStarGr 2–5—This well-researched history tells how three brothers from a small town in Utah came together to present the first full-length version of The Nutcracker in America. That performance on Christmas Eve, 1944, at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco started a holiday tradition that continues to this day in cities across the United States. Gendron's colorful illustrations capture the historical setting and the action and drama onstage and off. Back matter includes a time line with black-and-white photos, a summary of the story line, and suggestions for further reading.
VERDICT A terrific choice for fans of The Nutcracker and all things ballet.
Reviewed by Virginia Walter UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies
Barton's folksy, direct-address text introduces three brothers from Utah, all dancers, who eventually teamed up at the San Francisco Ballet to present the first full production in the United States of The Nutcracker, on Christmas Eve 1944. Tchaikovsky's music had become popular by then, but the general public didn't know his ballets. The vaudeville-trained Christensen brothers knew a good thing when they saw it. Gendron's art effectively reproduces traditional ballet poses and makes the most of the book's large trim size. This is a good book to share with children after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker. Lolly Robinson
Barton's folksy text introduces three Utah brothers, all dancers, who eventually teamed up at the San Francisco Ballet to present the first U.S. production of The Nutcracker, on Christmas Eve 1944. Gendron's art effectively reproduces traditional ballet poses and makes the most of the large trim size. Good for sharing with children after seeing a performance of The Nutcracker.
 , Oct 01, 2015

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