Review: A 'Nutcracker' to cherish
The Christmas tree that grows. The battling mice. The tumbling snowballs. And in this show, dancing poodles and cupcakes.
Few cities can boast a production as magical and whimsical as Cincinnati Ballet’s seasonal favorite, “Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker,” which opened Friday night at the Aronoff Center. For its 42nd annual “Nutcracker,” the company unwrapped a performance that was as fresh and inspiring as ever.
Despite some late cast changes, the famous pairings of the Snow King and Queen as well as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier did not fail to impress. And besides the magic that was happening onstage, you could revel in Tchaikovsky’s wondrous score, beautifully performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the knowing baton of Carmon DeLeone.
The opening night audience laughed out loud in the lighter moments, and made an audible gasp when Fritz (Charlie Klesa) broke the head off of his sister’s Nutcracker doll. Adding a wonderful note of mystery was Herr Drosselmeyer (Oğulcon Borova), part wizard, part toy-maker, who played the role with cape-swirling flair.
Perhaps it is that combination of human nature and fairytale that continues to resonate more than a century after “The Nutcracker” premiered in 1892. The tale of Clara (Honor Workman on opening night) and her charming Nutcracker Prince (Second Company’s Josiah Cook) was often breathtaking as they took their journey via balloon to the opulent Land of Sweets.
In this telling, they are accompanied by Clara’s pet, Minnie the Poodle (Abby Klesa).
Cincinnati Ballet’s production, re-imagined in 2011 and choreographed by artistic director and CEO Victoria Morgan, is very much a community effort. Legions of well-trained young dancers populated the festive party scene, the battle of the mice and toy soldiers (including hip hop Elementz dancers) and the entertaining dance of the Mother Hen and her exuberant chicks. The proceedings were detailed and came off without a hitch.
It is also a company piece, with fine performances from the corps de ballet and flashes of brilliance from principals and soloists. Sarah Hairston’s elegant Snow Queen is always thrilling to behold. With Romel Frometa as the Snow King, theirs was a partnership of strength as well as beauty, featuring stunning lifts as the music swelled.
Janessa Touchet’s Sugar Plum Fairy sparkled, and her effortlessness and beauty of line make her ideal for the role. The concluding Grand Pas de Deux with her Cotton Candy Cavalier, Patric Palkens, was simply spellbinding. She was elegant, and he was charismatic, and bursting with energy.
(The announced James Gilmer and Cervilio Miguel Amador were sidelined due to injuries, but a ballet spokesperson said they hope to return during the run.)
Grace Shivers provided a spirited Rose in “Waltz of the Flowers.” And who could resist those adorable Bumble Bees (Simone Billock and Alexya Rogers) when they flew in from above?
Among other highlights, the always popular Russian Dance was powerful and athletic, as performed by Khris Santos, Christopher Lingner and Jake Casey. And Drosselmeyer’s gifts, the Dancing Doll (Jacqueline Damico) and Dancing Bear (James Cunningham) were lively and fun.
There was hilarity, too, in Rodrigo Almarales’ Mouse King. Almarales also stole the show in the poodle dance “Mirlipoos” as he mugged and scratched behind his ear with his foot.
With the enchanting set designs by John Ezell, each scene was like opening a delightful gift. The most breathtaking was the Act I conclusion, as snow fell, the orchestra swelled and the graceful corps of Snowflakes danced to a wordless chorus (singers from Xavier University).
The evening’s only snafu was a bit of opening night drama when a new blackout curtain became caught up in the sheer scrim. It was quickly fixed.
In the end, this remains a “Nutcracker” to cherish.
Cincinnati Ballet’s “Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker” runs through Dec. 27 at the Aronoff Center, downtown. Tickets, from $32. 513-621-5282 or cballet.org.