Salle: Wortham Theater Center, Houston

Stanton Welch's Cinderella has mostly worn well at Houston Ballet, anchored by a delightful rewriting of the central love story and packed with marvellous, witty details.

Stanton Welch's 2016 production of The Nutcracker for Houston Ballet is a wild and dazzling ride, even for those who think they've had enough of this warhorse of a ballet.

Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton seemed to have a lot of fun taking up the role of Julia Child once again. 

The production is a disconcerting combination of cold metallic future and Neanderthal aesthetics – a startling pairing of humanity’s beginning and its end. 

Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka, moving between the worlds and rooted in myth, is a shivering opera to experience with its opulent music and its fantastical plot. 

This production proves that even Mozart’s best-laid plans can be undone.

As part of the season of Scrooges and Santas, it’s a refreshing reminder of sweet simplicity in a complicated world.