Joffrey’s ‘The Nutcracker’ delectably memorable
By Sid Smith
Published December 10, 2006, 3:45 PM CST
link to article here: Chicago Tribune
The Joffrey Ballet’s seasonal mounting of “The Nutcracker” is always an annual dessert, the demanding art of ballet sweetened by confectionary imagery and childhood
wonder.
This year, coming at the end of the city’s most memorable year of ballet in our lifetime, “The Nutcracker” arrives as a benedictional souffle, rewarding an unforgettable 12 months. Though
not as intellectually challenging as the fare of the New York City Ballet, or even the Joffrey’s fall presentation of “Cinderella,” “Nutcracker” is a marvel of discipline married
to pleasure and whimsy, as well as a detailed demonstration of the directorial genius of the late Robert Joffrey.
Though inspired by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo 1940 production, “The Nutcracker” is graced with Joffrey’s own masterly touches and his ability to blend the old
and the new, the traditional right alongside Gerald Arpino’s swooping lyricism and invigorating lifts in two waltzes. The Act 1 family scenes are caked with detail, invention and variety, bits
of action staged simultaneously, so that repeat visitors can always spot some mayhem or mischief they’ve missed before.
This is also a sublime celebration of dance as a metaphor for happiness at every stage of life. All “Nutcracker” productions boast juvenile performances, but here they’re especially
well-staged and executed, performed by young dancers who, by the way, survive a highly competitive audition process.
Meanwhile, the tricky, eye-catching ballroom romps in Act 1, including one segment led by an elderly couple juxtaposed to all that youth, celebrate traditional folk dance, tightly performed by
this year’s cast.
Another joy, inherent to all “Nutcrackers” to be sure, is the series of Act 2 divertissements that show off so many performers. Friday’s opening included Valerie Robin’s gypsy flourishes
as Chocolate from Spain, limber Emily Patterson and sturdy Thomas Nicholas as a wondrous Coffee from Arabia and the juvenile “Polichinelles” from the skirt of Mother Ginger.
There are five “Nutcracker” casts overall. Friday’s leads included the superb, fluid combo of Maia Wilkins and Willy Shives as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Nutcracker Prince, and a poised,
poetic Victoria Jaiani in a striking partnership with Fabrice Calmels as the Snow Queen and King.