Review By Emilie Minshew, Front Row Reviewers
Seeing Ballet West’s Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City is the perfect way to bring a soft and lovely brilliance to those of us who may already be feeling overwhelmed as we ring in the holiday season. In fact, Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker is so perfect that it has been an annual tradition of mine for many years. Each year, I look forward to donning my holiday best and settling into the beautiful and historic Capitol Theatre to watch this familiar favorite. Grab your family and come experience this holiday magic.
The story of The Nutcracker is loosely based on a fairytale written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman and later adapted for a ballet by well-known Russian composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1829. The story follows young d Clara on a dreamlike adventure in which she is guided by her newest toy, a Christmas nutcracker, given to her by the somewhat mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer, played by Dominic Ballard /Joseph Lynch.
According to a 2019 article written by the Salt Lake Tribune, Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker is the longest running production of this ballet in the country. Having been performed since 1944, its enduring popularity is no doubt due in part to Willam Christensen‘s spectacular choreography. Christensen later went on to found Ballet West in 1963, solidifying the company’s place as a premier ballet company.
Under the artistic direction of Adam Sklute, Ballet West continues to bring incredible ballet performances to the west. Indeed, Utah houses one of the finest ballet companies in the country.
Audiences of all ages will be able to appreciate this spectacular show, as it has a little something for everyone. There are sword fights, explosions, tiny bumblebees running out from underneath a giant lady’s dress, and so much more. However, the absolute best part of the performance is very clearly the incredibly beautiful dancing. You can just tell that everyone onstage is so genuinely happy to be there performing and truly loves what they do.
Darling, endearing Clara played by Sophia Cannella (others performers named below) as the young protagonist brings grace and humor to this identifiable role. Opposite Cannella, the Nutcracker Prince played by Jonas Malinka-Thompson, (other performers named below), dances a strong and charismatic heroic figure. The Snow Queen, played by Katlyn Addison (other performers named below) and Snow King, played by Adrian Fry, (other performers named below), continue to be one of my favorite parts of the show. Addison is extremely talented; her lines while dancing are so clean that they could cut glass. My companion at the show remarked that there were several moments during their pas de deux that it looked like she was floating. Fry is regal and outstanding, precise in all that he does. The Sugar Plum Fairy, played by Emily Adams, (other performers named below) and Sugar Plum Cavalier, played by Hadriel Diniz (other performers named below) are utterly delightful. Adams makes incredibly technically difficult ballet look effortless. She moves so delicately it looks like she could be made of pink cotton candy. I just know that there were a bunch of little girls in the audience with twinkles in their eyes wanting to be just like her when they grow up. Diniz is also very masterful. The pure athleticism needed to accomplish the countless leaps and turns in the second act must be mentioned.
My favorite ensemble piece by far is “The Waltz of the Flowers.” The dancers look as though a bouquet of carnations comes to life, sprouts limbs, and starts dancing. It is a real treat to watch.
The sets by John Wayne Cook and Dick Bird and Belina Bird are stunningly well made. They are grand in both size and looks. The lush jewel tones used create a warm and inviting atmosphere, and give a feeling of beauty and warmth. I was also quite impressed by some of the magical effects they were able to accomplish using specific lighting. The costumes by David Heuvel are truly elegant. One of many examples of this is the snow corps dancers. Their dresses float in such a way that when the dancers come together in various formations, they look as though they have created a giant, living, breathing snowflake.
The Capitol Theatre is a perfect venue for such a holiday classic. The historical architecture of the building mirrors the classical ballet.
In the hustle and bustle of decorating, baking, presents(!), give yourself the finest present you could have all year. Ballet West brings us a wonderful, shimmering moment to be dazzled by beauty. Come and enjoy Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker.
Ballet West presents Willam Christensen’s The Nutcracker.
Capitol Theatre, 50 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
December 8-27, 2023, performance times and dates vary.
Tickets start at $36.
Contact: 801-869-6900
Ballet West Facebook Page
Photos by Beau Pearson.
Note: Consider arriving early to the venue to combat traffic and construction downtown as the venue does not have designated parking. However, Trax stops near the venue so if you go to Salt Lake Central Station and park, then take Trax to the Gallivan Plaza Station (Blue and Green lines) you’ll get there in plenty of time. Check the Trax schedule.
From Ballet West–Please note: the casting of the show changes from night to night. Audiences are encouraged to check the boards located near the front of the theater for any casting changes.
Principal Dancers: Sophia Cannella, Tanya Bosch, Jaycee Preece, Evey Leonard, Jonas Malinka-Thompson, Vinicius Lima, Jacob Hancock, Beau Chesivoir, Emily Adams, Chelsea Keefer, Amy Potter, Kristina Pool, Jenna Rae Herrera, Kazlyn Nielsen, Claire Wilson, Adrian Fry, Hadriel Diniz, Brian Waldrep, Tyler Gum, Jordan Veit, Katlyn Addison, Robert Fowler, David Huffmire
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