We had SO much fun at The Melting Pot! We arrived at 4:30 and stayed until about 6:45pm - feasting on cheese fondue, salad, our entrees, and then chocolate of course - with extra fruit (I can only have so much cake dipped in chocolate! We went bananas for bananas instead). It IS work to bring kids for fondue - especially if they are having the entree too. I decided we'd skip poultry and pork so that it would make cooking times less of an issue. So we stuck to steak, shrimp and vegetables, and that made things much simpler. The Melting Pot has kids' portions too - but it was still a LOT of food! There were five of us, so the boys had their cheddar cheese fondue while I was able to have my favorite "classic". Everything was delicious, and the meal was a fun experience that I hope to recreate time and time again! CLICK HERE to visit The Melting Pot Midtown page and see their current specials. Note there are other locations, including one in Kennesaw.
This is our second year of dinner and the show, and it was even more fun than last year's outing. Now, with two boys, at some point I imagine I'll get quashed, and my kids won't be as keen on seeing The Nutcracker with their mom. But I could be wrong. Those beautiful ballet numbers so many of us know and love (the Snow Queen, the Sugar Plum Fairies) are, not surprisingly, my boys' least favorite parts of the ballet. But there are plenty of other scenes which hold their attention - and get them laughing too! From the illusionist's magic, to the rat king, the Russian dancers, to Mother Matrushka (the dancer stands on a platform 15 feet tall wearing a 75 pound costume), the Chinese Dragon and more, Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker offers up a little something for everyone. And Jack, at 7, is starting to appreciate music and now recognizes the familiar sound of Tchaikovsky... he taps his fingers on the arm of the chair and hums along with me. It's notable that this version is the only one in the metro area performed with a live orchestra and choir (The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra). Getting to the Fox early to see the organ and look down into the orchestra pit is a big part of our fun.
The Nutcracker, for the purpose of a review or even a story synopsis, is a little hard to crack. Is the young girl Clara or Marie? (She's Mariah in this version.) Mouse or Rat King? When I tried to research a few of the dances (they aren't listed out in the program), my head started to spin. There are SO many versions of The Nutcracker! The boys LOVE the Russian dancers. At least, now that I've done my research I know they are Russian dancers! But in this version, they are also acrobats, and provide a laugh-out-loud moment in the show. I was surprised to find a very serious version of the Russian Dancers on You Tube. I don't think my kids would have liked that one nearly as much! My personal favorite segment is the Arabian Dance. If you like Cirque du Soleil, you'll appreciate this one. It's just beautiful.
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker is a spectacle - beautiful costumes, sets and music, dances for young and old, a bit of magic and even falling snow in the theatre. I'm sure it's easier for those with girls to make this a tradition (I love watching all the little girls come into the Fox in the their fancy dresses!). I'm hoping I have a few years left!
TICKETS
Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker runs through December 28 at the Fox Theatre. Tickets start as low as $20 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 855-ATL-TIXX, in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office and the Atlanta Ballet Box Office, or online at www.atlantaballet.com.
DISCOUNT OFFERS
GOLDSTAR - Get some of the best seats in the house for close to 50% off. CLICK HERE to purchase before they sell out!FOX THEATRE DISCOUNT FOR MACARONI KID READERS
Get a group discount courtesy of Macaroni Kid to select Fox Theatre shows. At LEAST 10% off most shows and up to 40% savings on service fees. Use code FRIENDS to purchase. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AND SEE YOUR DISCOUNT!
2014 Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker Remaining SPECIAL EVENTS
Thursday, Dec. 18 – 7:30 p.m.: 3rd Annual Sports Night
Friday, Dec. 19 – Sunday, Dec. 21: Atlanta Ballet “Gives Back” Weekend
Friday, Dec. 19 - Red Cross Night
Saturday, Dec. 20 – Toys for Tots Day – (Final Push for Toy Drive)
Sunday, Dec. 21 - Homeless Pet Foundation Pet Supply Drive
Atlanta Ballet’s 2014 “Toys for Tots” Holiday Toy Drive
Now through December 20, drop off a new, unwrapped toy at Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre (1695 Marietta Boulevard, NW, Atlanta, 30318) during regular business hours or the Fox Theatre during any performance of Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Donation Dates: Monday, Nov. 17 – Saturday, Dec. 20
Disclosure: I was provided with tickets to the show in return for this writeup...opinions, however, are entirely my own.
