Canned "Nutcracker" Controversy Continues To Rage

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

“The Nutcracker with recorded music? No thanks,” wrote wiles05 in response to Sarah Kaufman’s December 5 Washington Post review of the Washington Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker. The review generated universally negative responses to the Ballet’s decision to use canned music instead of professional musicians -- who are members of Musicians Local 161-710 -- at the popular holiday performances this year. “I refuse to pay for a 'professional' performance that doesn't have live music,” wrote michele79 , noting that “Even the Howard County Ballet managed to have an orchestra for their Nutcracker performance.” And LAM1 said that “Live ballet needs live music,” sarcastically suggesting that “perhaps the ballet should consider the additional cost-cutting measure of videotaping the dancers and just showing the tape.” Dottie20 said that “Had I known canned music would be used, I would have stayed home…Shame on you Septime Weber and the powers that be at The Washington Ballet. You've lost my support.” - photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post