In a captivating homage to Tchaikovsky's iconic ballet The Nutcracker, which saw its grand debut in Saint Petersburg 130 years ago, the Volksoper Wien, a distinguished bastion for the renowned Wiener Staatsballett, assumes a bold stance under the artistic direction of Lotte de Beer and the musical guidance of Omer Meir Wellber. Departing from the traditional presentation format of a double bill, the operatic gem Iolanta and the timeless The Nutcracker are masterfully interwoven into a singular, enthralling spectacle.

Deemed a "successful debut that is also musically convincing," the synergy between the two pieces is heralded as seamless, akin to gears interlocking in harmonious precision. Jorine van Beek's costume design, lauded by Die Presse as a "feast for the eyes," adds a visual dimension that transcends the ordinary. This imaginative venture, labeled "music theatre for the whole family," casts a spell of enchantment, particularly captivating the hearts of numerous children and young attendees.

According to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the performance unfolds as a testament to the Volksoper Orchestra's unwavering prowess, reaffirming their commanding presence on the musical stage. In essence, this amalgamation of theatrical brilliance and musical finesse is heralded as a true family-oriented extravaganza, where dancers Mila Schmidt and Felipe Vieira, alongside the Wiener Staatsballett under the choreography of Andrey Kaydanovskiy, converge to create an unforgettable symphony of visual and auditory delights.