Until those first live orchestrated overture violin chords are heard against a swaying red velvet curtain, it’s truly not the holiday season.
Yes, I may start listening to the Nutcracker soundtrack in October and yes, I’ve seen the ballet many a time before (probably not as much as the 24-hour Christmas Story marathon), but it always a pleasant surprise the way the story captures and then continues to captivate the audience.
The party scene is always expected and realistic. And, in the age of technology as Uncle Drosselmeyer (Mitch McCoy) breaks out the toy dolls (where can I find such a long-lost uncle?) it’s nothing too exciting. However, by the time the ballet hits the climax of the pas de deux at the end of the first act, you’re caught. As the Snow Queen (played by Stacy Lowenberg, one of the four special guest principals) pirouettes to perfection with those spins and dashing Snow King (Jeffrey Stanton), the audience is enveloped and falls gracefully into wonderful winterland of sparkle and snow.
Ballet Des Moines did a beautiful job with it’s 9th annual production in bringing together all of the elements of the traditional show and incorporating their own cast/stage elements. Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, with its plush chairs, large mirrors and chandeliers was the optimal stage for the classic, even though it does lack the spatial area space of the Civic Center stage. With a different cast for each show, Ballet Des Moines obviously tries to include the most number of participants as possible. They tried to include the most audience members as well and I have to give them snaps for their active social media presence and free ticket giveaways. Thanks for those.
My one claim to ballet fame was that of a Nutcracker mouse in Iowa Dance Theater production at the Civic Center when I was little. Prima ballerina status didn’t happen, but the role just left biased that the baby mice are still the best part of the entire battle scene. The first act also featured Clara (played by McKenna Waller at the Sunday performance), who, at such a young age, demonstrated impeccable technique and is one to watch in the future.
I’m not suite sure what Mr. Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky was thinking as he composed this classic, but he must have been a man of brilliant marketing (or the “King of Captivation” as a friend called him), because he composed a show suitable for all ages. There is nothing more refreshing than seeing little girls dance about the aisles in velvet holiday dresses, pointing and prepping in a way that only some of us do now when no one is looking.
A simple set fit the venue just right, but was outshone by a collection of costumes that got increasingly more ornate. The costume director (Ashley O’Keeffe) had a clear eye for twirly tulles and complimentary colors.
The company did a good job of keeping the second-half fast-paced and fantastical. The Trepak featured a great set of pirouettes à la seconde that would have made any Russian czar proud and the frolicking purple flowers waltzed wonderfully. It’s also debatable what original choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov were thinking with Mother Ginger, but the small children that escape the confines of her skirt were a delight. And, by the time the second-half cast takes their curtsies and exits, a smile tugs at the corner of your mouth.
“Mommy, look at the pretty princess. I want that tutu.” The little girl behind me echoed exactly what I was thinking. (A tutu is always a welcome gift.) The Sugar Plum Fairy (Janessa Touchet) and Cavalier (Ogulcan Borova) had an onstage chemistry clearly apparent in the strength of her arabesques and their matching grand jetés. Their solo spots did not outshine but rather accompanied the partner work.
Courtesy of Ballet Des Moines Facebook
It’s a blissful break from the stress that accompanies the season, with avoiding eggnog at the company parties and those terrible white elephant gifts and finding the perfect ugly sweater.
Regardless of your “real” job, at the end of the day there’s still that little urge to leap across a stage, adorned with crystal tiara. As with any Nutcracker performance, it’s a tragedy to have to leave the lucid dream and return to the frigid reality of winter. If you have the chance, get to a ballet. You’ll leave your heart a little lighter, your head humming and toes just a little more pointed.
-Missed the Nutcracker? Catch Ballet Des Moines back on stage with Alice in Wonderland at the Civic Center on February 19th.
Nice review. I think it is worth asking why Ballet Des Moines has not been able to book the Civic Center for their performance of the Nutcracker. Perhaps the Civic Center could provide an explanation as to why the Iowa Dance Theatre’s Nutcraker gets this facility each year.