Pennsylvannia Ballet's newly redesigned Nutracker: go see it. I know George Balanchine's The Nutcracker has developed a reputation for being cliche and trite. Balletophiles the world over cringe come holiday season when the normally reserved, elite ballet audience is inundated with out-of-towners and three-year-olds. But to all of you I say lower your high-held noses. The Nutcracker is important for two reasons. First, it brings in the majority of the campany's revenue so that for the rest of the year they can do more unusual performances, like Company B and Carnival of Animals (Tanya Barrientos, take note). Secondly, and most importantly, it's a pretty damn good ballet.
This year The Nutcracker got a makeover, and it's about time. They've been using the same costumes and sets for as long as I can remember. This new vision is gorgeous. The set is a federal style mansion, and the costumes are exquisite. Throughout the entire first act (which is a little sparse on the dancing) I kept leaning over to my Mom and whispering, "Just look at the growns!" The puffed sleaves and jewels are enough to make Scarlett O'Hara jealous. And the tree that grows to life-size is delightful. It never gets old. When I was younger I just couldn't understand how they could make it grow. Now I can, but my amazement is still unceasing at every performance. I particularly enjoyed the artistic choice to turn the set into a conservatory when the tree grew. Then when Maria and the Nutcracker Prince go into the snow scene at the end of Act One, it's as if they simply opened the door of the conservatory and walked out into the woods. Very clever. And of course, the dance of the Snowflakes was beautiful.
My favorite soloist, James Ihde, was present in the cast, looking very dapper as Dr. Stahlbaum. My Mom agrees that he's a dish. Although we had no personal encounters this time, he was clearly making eyes at me during the soldier dance. And how they smoldered.
Act Two is when the real dancing begins. I was suprised this time around that my favorite parts of the performance changed. That's why it's always worth it to see a ballet more than once - every cast makes it new. The most new aspect was the Candy Canes. The costumes were so different! They almost looked Turkish. They made the choreography seem new, too. It was much sharper and livelier than I remembered. Joaquin Crespo Lopes added lots of pizazz as the soloist, complete with rakish turbin.
Possibly the biggest suprise of the night was Brooke Moore as the Dewdrop. I can honestly say that I had never noticed her before, but last night she was amazing. Her technical prowess is obvious, but she also was full of life. It's hard to find that combination in a dancer. Usually it's passion or technique, but Moore has both. I look forward to seeing more from her.
Amy Aldridge danced the Sugarplum Fairy, and she never disappoints. I could spot her a mile away just by her stage smile, which never falters, and I can't help but find amusing. Her Cavalier was principal Sergio Torrado, another looker. He is the epitomy of the rippling-muscled Spanish artist-athlete. Aldridge and Torrado were well-paired and put together a fantastic finish. Their energy was through the roof and really brought the performance to a crescendo. There was one misstep towards the end, however. Torrado was executing a series of fouetté turns and the audience was loving it - he had them. But he got overexcited at the response and let the momentum get away from him. Set to land on one knee, he did, but then he lost his balance and tumbled a little. His recovery was quick, however, and I don't even know if everyone noticed.
Now, I have a message for you, Sergio, because I know you read my blog. Don't beat yourself up. You gave an amazing performance, and getting overexcited is hardly a flaw. If passion is the sign of an artist, than you're a star. Also, please call me.
Of course, the final piece, which combines all the dancers of the second act, is thrilling. Even though I've seen The Nutcracker many times before, I still get caught up in the magic of the second act and find myself wanting more when it's finished. If anyone else would like to go see it, I wouldn't mind attending again.
