Royal Opera Ballet performs 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'

From left, Sarah Lamb, Steven McRea and Ricardo Cervera in Royal Opera Ballet's production of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Photo by Alastair Muir. POST BY CAROLINE PALMER, SPECIAL TO THE STAR TRIBUNE

While it may not be as glamorous as sitting in a grand theatre and watching a live performance, the opportunity to see an internationally revered dance company on a large movie screen is almost as good as being in the moment, particularly when London's Royal Opera House Ballet is putting on the show.

Last month several area cinemas played host to a screening of the troupe's vibrant "Don Quixote" and on Tuesday night "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" was the main event. Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, this production (premiered in 2011 and revived in spring 2013) is as hare-brained as anyone would desire when it comes to the Lewis Carroll classic. On film it's possible to enjoy close-up the production details and they are mighty clever, right down to every inch of the Mad Hatter's anarchic tea party, the antic flamingo croquet match, and the tiniest jam tarts over which many a battle is fought. Sara Lamb (who ably meets the challenge of appearing in nearly every scene of the ballet) is full of good humor and sardonic delight as Alice while Zenaida Yanowsky (the Red Queen) is the very essence of head-lopping derangement.

In December the film series continues with "The Nutcracker." This production, created by Peter Wright, first premiered in 1984 at Covent Garden and has been a holiday mainstay for the Royal Opera Ballet ever since. The interpretation is based on the traditional story of a girl's Christmas Eve fantasy filled with toys come to life, battling mice, and, of course, a performance by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The performance screening, as with the two previous ones, features behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, information about the creative process and interviews with some of the main artists.

"The Nutcracker," Tues., Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. Five cinema locations in the metro area. Prices vary. Visit www.fathomevents.com for further information.