Balanchine Casts Christmas Spell With 'Nutcracker'

This article originally appeared in the Culture section of Bloomberg News on December 1, 2008.

Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- It's too easy to yield to the magic of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker," performed by the New York City Ballet. It's harder to define that enchantment.

Is it the Christmas tree that grows to a height of 40 feet before our eyes? Maybe it's the skill and verve of the School of American Ballet kids who hold their own against the professionals. Perhaps it's the female corps de ballet, each member a beauty in her own right, dancing in unison as snowflakes or flowers. Could it be the radiance and virtuosity of the principals?

The production, which opened Friday at the David H. Koch (formerly New York State) Theater for its annual five-week run, offers such pleasures. It amazes with old-fashioned theatrical marvels, enhanced by modern-day technology and the phenomenal technique of today's classical ballet dancers, bred to their trade from a young age. Yet, the ballet's real draw is its spirit.

Partnered with Tchaikovsky's celestial score, Balanchine's "Nutcracker" illuminates the idea that, whatever our real-life circumstances, extravagant dreams will abide in our lives.

The story, derived from E.T.A. Hoffmann's tale, is set in motion by the inventor Herr Drosselmeier. The eccentric old man leads his goddaughter (the pre-pubescent Marie) and his young nephew (who morphs from nutcracker to budding prince) out of the predictable comforts of upper-middle-class life into the Land of Sweets. This imaginary kingdom is one of unadulterated delight, though to approach it the children must overcome fear and life- threatening danger -- in the form of giant, menacing mice.

Drosselmeier Poetry

Robert La Fosse emphasized the poetry of Drosselmeier, while not forgetting the darker, subconscious motives that underlie his magic. As usual, the children under his spell were scrupulously rehearsed with no loss of spontaneous vitality.

Sara Mearns plays the part of The Sugarplum Fairy in the New York City Ballet production of "The Nutcracker" in New York in this undated handout photo. Photographer: Paul Kolnik/NYCB via Bloomberg News

The women taking the soloist roles were predictably good, but Sara Mearns, as the Sugarplum Fairy, regent of this delectable realm, went far beyond that, offering a passage of dancing in the duet at the ballet's climax that was sublime. From her long, languorous stretches though the air to her feline leap from a distance onto her cavalier's shoulder without a trace of preparation, her usual plush dancing was suffused with something indefinable yet ever-present -- the secrets of the soul, perhaps.

In the weeks to come, the casting will vary in the many principal and soloist roles, with the company wisely treating "The Nutcracker" both as a showcase for the veterans and a proving ground for potential stars.

Tomasson's 'Nutcracker'

A serviceable alternative "Nutcracker" for audiences far from New York or who are watching their budget these days is San Francisco Ballet's newest version, created in 2004 by the company's artistic director, Helgi Tomasson.

It will be telecast on Dec. 17 in PBS's "Great Performances" series and is available on DVD from Opus Arte.

To make his production unique, Tomasson uses a slideshow of vintage photos to set it in early 20th-century San Francisco with side trips to the later Victorian era. The second act, traditionally composed of individual dances evoking lands exotic to Americans, is tied to an ambitious 1915 exposition in the city that emphasized getting to know far-flung cultures.

The main trouble with the production lies in the concept of the young heroine, Clara (as she's called here). The lovely Elizabeth Powell, a ballet student who dances with impeccable grace, is simply too old for this role, too far along in the decorum classical dance training imposes on a docile pupil, with no recourse but to utilize every pretty ballet mannerism in the book. While, on one hand, she lacks the exuberance of a child, on the other, whirling in the arms of the adult Nutcracker Prince as if she were his love interest, her character seems to have forgotten warnings her mother surely gave her about older men.

Athletic

True, it's hard to resist Davit Karapetyan, a handsome fellow who has the uncanny ability to be simultaneously liquid and athletic in his movement.

The ominous mystery that lends the ballet the perilous dimension that makes it irresistible is absent. The life-size mechanical dolls Drosselmeier brings to the Christmas Eve party are suitable "Coppelia"-esque creations, but Damian Smith, playing their inventor, exudes none of the dark magic that usually inhabits those who fashion such wonders.

Apart from Drosselmeier, the character roles are beautifully done. Clara's parents are utterly believable -- mature, romantic, and good hosts. Even better are a grandmother with terrific elan and a slightly dotty grandfather, leading a social dance for three generations. The Mouse King, with his rapacious teeth and claws, is both comic and frightening.

Resplendent Costumes

The faux-exotic divertissements that constitute the second act, viewed by Drosselmeier and Marie -- so Karapetyan, inarguably the star of this show, can disappear to find a more age- appropriate ballerina for the duet -- are luscious, thanks to Martin Pakledinaz's resplendent costumes.

The smooth, adroit dancing from adults and kids alike is a tribute to the training Tomasson has instilled in the company and its school. Yes, this production lacks logical coherence and psychological depth, but there's enough eye-candy here to seduce all but the most exacting viewer who insists that a ballet should pierce the heart.

New York City Ballet will perform "The Nutcracker" at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, NYC, through Jan. 3. Information: +1-212-721-6500 or http://www.nycballet.org. San Francisco Ballet's "The Nutcracker" will air on PBS's Great Performances Dec. 17 and is available as an Opus Arte DVD. Information: http://www.sfballet.org/nutcracker.

© 2008 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.