By Shanna Spuhler
The Cache Valley Civic Ballet enchants audiences with a beautifully choreographed version of The Nutcracker performed over Thanksgiving weekend at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan, Utah. Every year they seem to add just a touch more magic to their production, and this year is no different.
Audiences love the story of Clara (Hannah Anderson) as they follow her journey with a nutcracker doll she receives from her godfather, Drosselmeyer (Kevin Nakatani). Late at night she sneaks back to the Christmas tree to retrieve her doll only to fall asleep and has a magical dream. In her dream, she meets her Nutcracker Prince (Briton Rasmussen) and helps him defeat the Mouse King (Nathan Jones) then travels to the Snow Kingdom where she meets the Snow Queen (Brittany Bailey) and the Snow King (Stephen Millsap). They end their journey in the Land of Sweets.
The story of The Nutcracker was originally created by E.T.A. Hoffman and originally choreographed by Lev Ivanov. The well-known classic tunes were by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Together they created one of the most celebrated and appreciated ballets.
The music for this production of The Nutcracker brought to life by the Northern Utah Symphony Orchestra, directed by Mark Emile. Hearing the classic tunes performed by a live orchestra helps to enhance the magic of the production. Another magical element to the production is the use of a children’s choir brought together with Logan High School and the Cache Children’s Choir and directed by Claudia Bigler and Melody Francis. The children’s choir add an angelic tone to the Snow Kingdom.
The costumes are colorful and stunning. Each costume (managed by Pamela Kirschman) helps to define the role of the dancers onstage and strategically match the scene. Mixed with the props, backdrops (Carole Holland, Janese Mickelson, Julie Spach), and lighting (Emily Heap) the whole production pulls the audience in. Under the direction of Sandy Emile with her rehearsal and choreography assistants, Karyn Hansen, P. Kirschman, Jaime Lindley, Stephen Millsap and Clifton Richards, the choreography is gracefully and expertly performed. The production includes dancers of all ages and includes many roles for both men and women.
The featured male dancers are all very impressive with their athleticism and skill. Nakatani uses fantastic storytelling skills through movement and facial expressions. The Dancing Doll (Darius Kirschman) and the Soldier (Gavin Millsap) in the party scene are both highly impressive. Rasmussen shows great talent in his battle scene with the Mouse King. S. Millsap shows true professionalism first in his portrayal as the Snow King and then later as one of the Russian dancers. The Cavalier (Colin Hathaway) shows remarkable skill in his use of many leaps and turns in his numbers as well as his talent of highlighting the Sugar Plum Fairy (Jade Wimmer).
The featured female dancers are incredible in showing true grace and talent. Anderson is a sweet Clara and truly entertaining to watch. The female Dancing Doll (Anne Summers) is darling during the party scene. Bailey is a classic ballet gem to watch both in her portrayal of the Snow Queen and later as a Chinese Tea dancer. Other female leads included the Dewdrop Princess (Juliana Beers), Spanish Chocolate (Britnie Murray), Arabian Coffee (Lexie Keller), and the Rose Princess (Brianne Corbridge).
Other stand out performers are Jones as the Mouse King and Richard Kirschman as Mother Ginger as these two parts add a lighthearted, more comedic element to their performance. The sweet little Gingerbread Children also show that performing talent can come in all ages.
The Nutcracker is a show that can be loved by all and has something for everyone. I enjoy coming to this production every year and bringing my children with me as they are just as engrossed in the story as I am. Cache Valley Civic Ballet has helped many families, mine included, to create a tradition of starting their holiday season with coming to this beautiful production.
Cache Valley Civic Ballet presents The Nutcracker Story by E.T.A. Hoffman, Original Choreography by Lev Ivanov, Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan UT, 84321
November 29,December 2, 2019 7:30 PM, November 30 1:30 PM,7:30 PM
Tickets: $12-$28
Cache Valley Civic Ballet Facebook Page
The Nutcracker Facebook event
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