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Saturday, December 13, 2008
‘Nutcracker’ delivers big scenes, diva, pace
Every town of any size has a “Nutcracker.”
What makes the Dayton Ballet’s 15-year-old version something other than just one more?
That’s easy, based on this year’s crisp and crackling opening performance Friday, Dec. 12.
Here are some of the 2008 edition’s luminaries, lined up in order of brilliance:
1. The “money” scenes.
Nobody calls them that in an annual holiday production that pretty little girls in dresses and ribbons attend with their moms, but “The Nutcracker” has two that are crucial: the dance of the snowflakes and the waltz of the flowers.
The Dayton Ballet’s choreography by Karen Russo Burke and Dermot Burke, enhanced by Lowell Mathwich’s costumes all night, lavishes the proper emphasis on both. In response, the ensembles nailed them sweetly, with unity and very athletically on opening night.
Snow Queen Jennifer Grund, partnered by husband Rich Grund, reinforced the opinion that her dancing just keeps getting better and more effortless. Many dancers grow dramatically as they add years. She has also been achieving new levels physically.
Halliet Slack, a Dew Drop Fairy with gorgeous extensions and a joyous aura at the center of the flowers, suddenly has a partner who seems made for her in her cavalier, company newcomer Dillon Anthony.
Note: Most of the principal roles in the ballet have been double cast. You may see dancers other than those named here, depending on when you attend.
2. The Diva.
That would be the Sugarplum Fairy in this and every other “Nutcracker.” She’s the star, although she isn’t supposed to express that in attitude. She’s supposed to project a warmth that envelops the entire room while wowing us and making us fall in love with her.
The Dayton Ballet’s queen, Erika Cole, has a technique as clear and precise as the facets of a fine diamond. Her gifts are truly impressive and she is lovely. Like many young stars with extraordinary gifts, she tends to be a sharp and cool artist, rather than a warm and inviting one. But there are glimpses of an evolution that will make her truly amazing.
Her partner this night, Grant Dettling, demonstrated that he’s more than the heavy he often plays — the title role in “Dracula,” or Stanley in “Streetcar.” He’s a masculine dancer with confident and impressive turns, but also soft landings for a man of his physicality. He still tends to handle his partner a bit roughly at times, but only half as often as a year ago.
3. Tchaikovsky’s music.
Without it, “Nutcracker” wouldn’t exist or be immortal. The recording the Dayton Ballet uses seems chosen as much for its hurry-up pace as for its status as foundation. That pointed out, this action-filled production progresses without dead space or repetition over two acts plus intermission in 90 minutes. This year’s show seems more economical than ever, a plus for holding the attention of all ages.
4. It honors the company’s and city’s past.
Instead of Clara, the leading child’s role is Jinny (Maddie Wang on opening night), in memory of philanthropist Virginia Kettering. Sydney Baker and Mae Raab were graceful and energetic young versions of Dayton Ballet founders Josephine and Hermene Schwarz at the Act 1 party.
5. Well-spaced sparks of interest.
A partial list included: Christy Forehand as Byrd, Jinny’s kooky instigator of an aunt; Keenan McLaren and Case Bodamer as the mechanized German dolls; the cute little mice and, later, sheep; the well-drilled toy soldiers; Spanish dancers Rob Morrow, Oren Porterfield and Christy Forehand, whose divertissement is way too short; McLaren as a Chinese princess rippling with character, and the high-flying Russian princes Bodamer and Eduard Forehand, even though they weren’t on the same wavelength to begin.
The Angel scene at the top of Act 2 has been edited and shortened effectively, but remains awkward, without focus or distinction until the Sugarplum Fairy arrives.
Although Mother Ginger is played by a succession of celebrities, it’s hard to tell why, since his or her head is in the shadows. This has never been the most effectively illuminated “Nutcracker” around.
But this town does have a “Nutcracker,” and this year it’s pretty good.
The Dayton Ballet’s “Nutcracker” continues through Dec. 21 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets. Tickets are $27-$70 at (937) 228-3630, toll free at (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage. There are discounts for children.
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