Dec 18, 2010

Review: ‘Nutcracker’ at the Blaisdell

Photo By Dennis Oda / doda@staradvertiser.com

By John Berger / jberger@staradvertiser.com

Spectacular!

That single word sums up Ballet Hawaii’s 2010 production of “Nutcracker” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Ballet in Hawaii doesn’t get any better than this.

Megan Fairchild and Joaquin De Luz, returning in the starring roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier, have never been better matched. Fairchild was exquisite in her opening night performance on Friday. De Luz earned spontaneous applause during each of his solo sequences in the Grande Pas De Deux — and when he was dancing with Fairchild he handled her so smoothly it was as if she weighed no more than a feather.

Good ballet looks effortless. De Luz and Fairchild are very good.

Timour Bourtasenkov and Romi Beppu — two other ever-popular Ballet Hawaii guest artists — enthralled the audience with their seductive sensual interplay in “Arabian.” The number is one of two that Bourtasenkov choreographed for the 2010 production and it is a show stopper. Beppu’s smooth and flowing movements appear at times to transcend the limitations of human anatomy. Bourtasenkov is superb as her partner. No knowledge of ballet is needed to appreciate the physicality of his performance — and that of Beppu as well.

Bourtasenkov also brings Act I to a stirring and romantic close with his choreography of the Snow Pas De Deux he dances with Lilyan Vigo Ellis as his mesmerizing Snow Queen.

There are as always many other impressive performances. Ellis received well-deserved applause when she returned in Act II as Dewdrop in “Waltz of the Flowers,” Andrew Taft earned applause as the lead dancer in “Chinese,” and Andrew Veyette was impressive twice over — first as the mechanical toy soldier in Act I, then as the most charismatic of the three energetic Russian men in Act II.

Also not to be missed is Stephanie Schenberger (Marie). She plays Tchaikovsky’s young heroine with enchanting expressiveness, grace and charm. Schenberger establishes herself as actor and dancer early in Act I and builds on each of the pivotal dramatic moments that lead to Marie’s impulsive involvement in the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It is a memorable performance in all respects.

Long-time “Nutcracker” fans will again enjoy Dr. Philip I. McNamee in the small but important role of Marie’s grandfather — McNamee got a round of applause after his showcase number on Friday. Carolyn Berry is a great choice as his wife, and Ballet Hawaii supporters will also cheer Artistic Director Pamela Taylor-Tongg in the role of Marie’s mother.

And, yes, that’s Ballet Hawaii veteran Willie Dean Ige — disguised with an eye patch and goatee — as the mysterious Drosselmeyer.

Conductor Ann Krinitsky and her orchestra are another important component. A live orchestra adds so much to “Nutcracker,” and Honolulu won’t have many opportunities to enjoy an orchestra for the foreseeable future.

The familiar bits of stage craft are an enchanting as always. The special effects and the comic bits within the big battle under the Christmas tree are nicely developed. The earnest performances of the youngest cast members — as baby mice or angels or lambs — add an element of uncertainty as in years past.

In short, Ballet Hawaii’s “Nutcracker’ is superb seasonal entertainment once again!