'The Nutcracker' - A Review

Ballet is a funny thing. It asks us to be innocently impressionable, and, fearlessly cerebral, both, at the same time.

So, before I attended the Saturday evening performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet, performed by the newly formed Libby Ballet Company at the Libby Memorial Center, I had to explain, to my 6-year-old companion for the evening, that this was a play without words.

“Its just music and dancing, no talking, I’m not sure you’ll like it,” I told him.

“That’s OK, he said, I’ll like it.”

Not wanting to BELIEVE, I pressed on.”

I’m afraid you’ll get bored, I felt compelled to explain, “ and, I have to stay and pay attention, cause I’m supposed to write something about it, so we can’t just leave.”

He thought about this one for a minute or two, and replied, “ its OK, I like dancing.”

Indeed, we all like dancing, and this local production, showcasing our amazing local talent offered so very, very much to like.

Just a quick glance at the program, and, anyone can see that this seasonal offering was the work of many many people. Forty dancers and almost as many folks on the production crew, created magic out of cardboard, fabric, commitment, and belief.

Directed by Lori Stevens, and Keith Meyers, the production moved well, keeping pace with the magnificent, beloved soundtrack of the Nutcracker Suite, composed by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

As the lights dimmed over the nearly full house, we were greeted by an affable narrator, played by Lee Pielaet who set the scene with a sweet, grandfatherly air, taking all of the many children in the audience under his wing, and dispelling any lingering fears of ballet, and, when the curtain went up to reveal a festive room full of beautifully costumed men and women, boys and girls, I immediately began watching the kids.

Sneaking glances at my young companion, I noticed that all of the children on stage remained engaged and animated, while he watched, mesmerized. This production is already a success, I thought to myself.

The energy of this initial scene had not yet begun to flag when the purple-caped Herr Drosselmeyer, played by Keith Meyers, burst on the scene. Much action ensued, and all of the more than 20 folks on the stage, including the kids, stayed focused and in character, especially the plainly dressed maid.

As Herr Drosselmeyer produced toys from his bag, including “The Nutcracker” and a stuffed lion, and made them come to life, I heard the boy sitting next to me giggle in delight, and, as they danced to the masterful violin playing of Christine Wilkinson, he poked my arm and smiled. Then, as the grandfather clock ticked away, this lovely scene ended with a well choreographed waltz, involving several couples, and, featuring  Herr Drosselmeyer, and the maid, nicely played by Amy Smart.

Now  our grandfather narrator ambled out again, reminding us, that, now, the magic begins.

As the guests leave the party, and the children fall asleep, we see Clara (played by Isabelle Martineau) come out to check on her nutcracker and, as she falls asleep, with him in her arms, her dreams, and imagination come to life..

We see the Mouse King, and a whole passel of little and big mice take the stage, As those little ones emerged, there was an audible “awwww” from the audience, and, all of them, big and small, stayed engaged as “The Nutcracker” prince, (played by Landon Wilkinson), begins to battle the evil King mouse (played by Jon Spencer). Then another appreciative “awww” as an adorable battalion of Roman soldiers marched out, in clever, bright, and well designed costumes.

As the battle ends and Clara falls to her knees, and begins another dream, “The Nutcracker”  becomes a handsome prince and he and Clara are transported to a snowy forest full of dancing snowflakes, a Snow King, and a Snow Queen. This is where I’m certain no one in the audience had any doubts that they were watching a ballet, and we were treated to some exquisite dancing by April Rainey, Nathaniel Miller and of course, Lisa Rios as the Snow Queen, to the familiar Dance of the Snowflakes from “The Nutcracker Suite.”

As I watched Lisa dance, I almost forgot I was here in Libby, she brings  a graceful mastery to the stage, that I felt honored to see, and, as I watched, mesmerized, my young companion, poked my arm and asked “What happened to his pants.”

I had to laugh, but the truth is Nathaniel Miller was really dancing ballet, beautifully, and he needed no pants. Hats off to you Nathaniel.

After a short intermission, we were treated to more evocative and exquisite dancing by Lisa, April, and Nathaniel, as well as a lively flamenco performed by Victoria Lenihan, as Clara’s dream takes us through the Kingdom of Sweets, presided over by Lisa Rios as the Sugar Plum Faerie, and Mother Ginger, adorably played by Tony Berget.

All of the dancers were wonderful, and, if space permitted, I would praise you all by name, the costumes, sets and lighting, wonderful as well.

Thank you all, for your enthusiasm and courage, and, especially Lori Stevens for the vision and insight to bring the beautiful art of the ballet to Libby, we look forward to more magic and chances to BELIEVE.