O Ouebra-Nozes

On the 23rd, we went to see "O Quebra-Nozes"  and that would be translated as "the cracker nut" or The Nutcracker.  The Rio de Janeiro professional ballet and orchestra combine to put on this annually and it is one BIG production.  Jen's Mom, Fa, who had just gotten to town, joined us to go to the ballet.

 They were happy to see one another.  and prior to going we had sandwiches at the same little restaurant in the town square that we enjoyed a couple of days ago when we visited the museum also on the square and across the street from the Theatro Municipal.

 It was built in 1909, renovated in 2009 and is all about trying to be and succeeding at being grand.

 Here we have Fa, Jen, Patt and another friend on the stair way to one of the levels of box seats.

 The balcony levels were somewhat showy.  Lots of artwork and stained glass windows.

the whole atmosphere was inspiring. 

 Heavy marble balconies and ornate chandeliers.  If it could be ornate.  It as very ornate.

This is the view off one of the exterior balconies from the front looking over the town plaza and the yellow building on the far corner right is where we ate our pre-game - ballet meal.

 Of course I went to the top level for a view, though I did not go to the top row, just the entrance door.

 and looking from the upper level inter lobby balcony in to the main lobby

 The main hall from the main floor where we were seated.  The ballet and music was fabulous.  We were just astounded at how good it was.  The chorus during the snow princess dance was awesome, and the various dances were - well we were impressed.

 It is a professional company that has been in existance a very long time and the costumes and productions was something to see.

This is the view from our seats -- Jens Aunt is the stage manager of the dances or productions manager or some such title that basically tells which dancer where she or he stands / enters and when amongst the various groups.  She also directs rehearsals.

after the show, Jen's aunt, on the left, Celeste, Dalal Achcar the Director of the Ballet and the director of Fa's former dance school Fa and Jen backstage -- Yes, we are backstage.   Immediately after the show we went backstage and were there while they were taking curtain calls.  Fa and Jen were quite the an attraction backstage

 and here is Fa talking with the jester;  she had danced with him in the past at some point.

 and I do believe I have seen holiday decorations like this before.