© The Joffrey Ballet Joffrey 'Nutcracker' reviews 'Nutcracker' reviews Wilkins in reviews Shives in reviews recent Joffrey reviews more Oksana Khadarina reviews

Dozens of various productions of this timeless Christmas classic will be performed in Washington. Traditionally the Kennedy Center Opera House hosts the premier Nutcracker party in town. This year the Joffrey Ballet took center stage to present their Nutcracker, widely considered among the finest productions of the ballet—a distinctly American version conceived and directed by Robert Joffrey in 1987.

The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker is set in 19th century America. Joffrey drew ideas for the stage décor from his collection of Victorian-era greetings and toys he started as a child. In fact, the ballet setting evokes the three-dimensional, brightly colored holiday cards popular in Victorian America. Sumptuous and elegant period costumes, designed by John David Ridge, add inescapable charm to the production.

With the last sounds of the overture, the curtain opens on the lavishly decorated grand parlor of the Stahlbaum house filled with family and friends: the Christmas festivities are underway. Gift giving, music, dancing—all manner of lively entertainment—the party has it all. An intimate family atmosphere, genuine hospitality, and happiness abound. This is what makes this party so special.

The stage appears overcrowded when the performance breaks out to a number of scenes presented simultaneously. To follow all the action, the viewer’s attention has to shift from one scene to the next with kaleidoscopic speed. Yet it doesn’t spoil the fun—call it a reminder that Christmas is a busy time after all.

Dr. Drosselmeyer, Clara’s godfather, is a central character of the story. Brian McSween gave a remarkable performance of the mysterious toy maker and magician. Dressed in a long black cape, with a black eyepatch, he is master and commander, reigning over and guiding the course of events. He transforms the wooden Nutcracker into the life-size Prince; he escorts Clara in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets; and in the end, his magical hot-air balloon returns Clara home to her parents. “Through Drosselmeyer, Clara is able to see things and to experience things that she would never have an opportunity to experience otherwise, because he is a magician…,” Joffrey said about Drosselemeyer’s character. “He is the one who has conjured this whole thing up. He has done all these special things for Clara because he, in a way, is the eccentric person who loves Clara as Clara loves him.”
 

In this production, the roles of Clara and Fritz are performed by the Joffrey dancers. On opening night, Jennifer Goodman was charming and lively as Clara, dancing and acting with genuine tenderness and childlike sincerity. Calvin Kitten as Fritz, Clara’s boisterous brother, was fast-moving and funny, perfectly blending with the children.

The storyline takes an interesting turn after the first act. In the Land of Snow, Clara’s parents (danced by Victoria Jaiani and Fabrice Calmels) and Fritz assume the roles of Snow Queen and King, and Snow Prince respectively. Kitten’s brilliant transformation from mischievous boy to dashing prince was a pleasant surprise. The performance of Jaiani and Calmels was virtually impeccable – beautifully nuanced and highly expressive.

The scenery and choreography of the Land of Snow is a crowning achievement of the creators of this production. Gerald Arpino, artistic director of the company, created a stunning spectacle with imaginative dance variations of Snowflakes, Snow Winds, and Snow Trees. This was the time for the corps de ballet to shine… which the Joffrey dancers did so beautifully.

Traditionally, in the Kingdom of Sweets, Clara and her escorts (in this production, Drosselmeyer and the Nutcracker Prince) are treated to a showcase of international dancing. Clad in a gorgeous dress of black and gold, Valerie Robin was exuberant and charismatic as Chocolate from Spain. Emily Patterson and Thomas Nicholas mesmerized the viewers with the sublime Arabian dance. Tea from China (Anastacia Holden and Calvin Kitten) was refreshing and invigorating. Galloping across the stage with inexhaustible energy, the quartet of Russian Nougats dressed in attractive Slavic folk costumes was an instant hit. A trio of charming Marzipan Shepherdesses danced in perfect unison with grace and subtlety. The highlight of festivities of the Kingdom of Sweets was the Grand pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Maia Wilkins) and Nutcracker Prince (Willy Shives).

This production offers many delights and surprises for the youngest members of the audience: the magical appearance of the life-size Nutcracker; the comical jousting among mice protected by shiny armor and the Nutcracker Prince army; and of course the arrival of Mother Ginger, a 15-foot-tall puppet accompanied by eight adorable Polichinelles.

It’s always a joy to experience the magic and excitement of the Christmas adventures at the Stahlbaum house; and it’s a double joy when this beloved tale is well told. The Nutcracker story presented by the Joffrey Ballet was a treasure to savor. Heartwarming, lively, and humorous, this highly entertaining Nutcracker was truly enjoyed and appreciated by the audience. And for their wonderful performance the Joffrey dancers deserve high praise and our gratitude.