New for 2020: Streaming “Nutcracker” review: Yes, everything has gone “virtual” these days, and it’s not the same. But some of these virtual things are still very much worth doing:
School? Well, that’s mandatory.
FaceTime with Grandma? Absolutely.
Extended-family game night? More fun than you might think.
Add to that list the Pacific Northwest Ballet streaming version of “The Nutcracker.” If this show is a holiday tradition for you, or even if it hasn’t been, here’s why you really should keep that going in 2020:
You can wear your PJs. It’s fun to get all dressed up. It’s also fun not to. When streaming “The Nutcracker” at home, you can truly come as you are. And you can take breaks without tripping over people and wondering what you’ll miss.
It’s better than a yule log on YouTube. Once you pay the streaming fee, you have unlimited access through Dec. 26. Elevate your background: Play “The Nutcracker” while you cook, wrap gifts or just relax.
Your kids can show off their tech prowess. Unless you want to huddle around a computer, you’ll need to tether a device to your TV, either using HDMI cable or digital tethering to devices such as Roku. It’s not that tricky, and PNB even provides tech tips on its website, but if you’re like a lot of us, your child will want to jump in and “save the day” by handling this task and, you know what, at my house we usually let her.
Virtual meetup. Speaking of tech prowess, there’s a good chance your house has enough devices that, while streaming the show, you could also Zoom or Facetime with another family doing the same (see “unlimited access,” above), thus sharing a holiday tradition you might have preferred to share in person, but that’s what next year is for.
It’s a bargain. Your whole family can watch, over and over, for $39.
PNB needs you to. With the inability to host in-person performances, arts organizations all over the area are struggling. Don’t forget: Behind the stages and the music and the characters we all love are real people sharing their talents and trying to make a living. Your streaming fee will help. And while we’re at it, let’s all resolve to enthusiastically support the arts,as we’re able, when we can return in person.
Streaming ‘Nutcracker’ details:
Streaming has already begun if you got the Digital Performance Plus package, and starts Friday, Dec. 18, with the basic package. Both run through Dec. 26.
