Each year the holiday season brims with iconic traditions, none more so than “The Nutcracker.” First premiering in 1892, the classic ballet has evolved into a seasonal event throughout the United States. This weekend, "The Nutcracker" is being performed in Norman by the Oklahoma Festival Ballet.
The first act opens with the slightly mysterious Drosselmeyer clutching a nutcracker on his way to the home of Silberhaus family and their annual Christmas Eve party. Drosselmeyer and other party patrons greet each other on their way to the party, and the turn-of-the-century sets and costumes evoke a simpler time.
The story revolves around Clara, a young girl gifted the nutcracker by her favorite uncle, Drosselmeyer. However, in the first act, Clara’s brother, Fritz, stole the show.
Fritz, played by Paige Johnson, filled the stage with the contagious and joyous energy of a seasoned performer.
Other highlights of the first act included wonderful dance interludes from the Fairy Doll (Brittany Bonefas) and the Soldier Doll (Daniel Brobston), which provided nice foreshadowing to the upcoming battle scene.
Though staying true to the classic traditions of the ballet, OU Dance Department head Mary Margaret Holt’s direction and influence were present throughout, including Drosselmeyer and the Fairy Doll bringing the Nutcracker Prince to life immediately and, most prominently, in the battle scene between the mice and the Nutcracker Prince, where the Nutcracker fought the Mouse King with no help from Clara.
The dancing was strong throughout the opening act. The Nutcracker Prince, played by Cameron Morgan, was powerful and royal, with strong jumps and partnering. Amber Bailey as Clara was light but impassioned, while the Snow King and Queen’s (Austin Crumley and Sarah Bowdoin) pas de deux showcased beautiful lines and excellent partner work.
The second act of “The Nutcracker” featured a series of audience-pleasing scenes. The "Spanish Dance" was sharp and exciting and the "Arabian Dance" fluid and complex. A smiling Manny Valdes electrified the crowd with his version of the "Russian Dance" while the intricate patterns of the "Waltz Of The Flowers" generated much deserved applause. Other crowd favorites included the fun and energetic "Chinese Dance" and the laughter-provoking Mother Ginger and her children.
The pinnacle moment of “The Nutcracker” is the entrance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Oklahoma Festival Ballet did not disappoint. A breathtaking Sugar Plum pas de deux with the Cavalier presented two exceptional dancers beautifully in sync. Katelyn Chargois and Joseph Van Harn, both OU students, impressively turned and jumped together throughout the initial piece and when they returned for the coda.
Chargois also impressed during the Sugar Plum Fairy solo, captivating the audience with her pointe work and grace.
The Oklahoma Festival Ballet’s “Nutcracker” may be a college production, but many professional companies would envy the poise, grace and characterization showcased on the Elsie C. Brackett Theatre stage during this magical evening of dance.
