KCMETROPOLIS.org
Kansas City's Online Journal of the Performing Arts

As December begins, Kansas City Ballet sets the stage for the holiday season on a new stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Staying true to previous Artistic Director Todd Bolender’s vision, their annual production of The Nutcracker has remained the same. The innocent story and colorful adaptation continue to warm people’s hearts and lift spirits while celebrating the tradition with friends and family. In some ways this consistency is comforting to those who have made the holiday adaptation a ritual. However, the continued repetition also lessens the magic of it all.

Saturday evening’s performance was the second public show of the Ballet’s month-log run and while the lobby was bustling, several seats remained empty. As conductor Ramona Pansegrau took her position, the orchestra fired up the first reminiscent notes of Tchaikovsky’s Overture. Kids and adults, who first started coming as kids, all leaned forward on the edge of their seats as the magical story began at the Silberhauss’ Christmas party.

Playing one of the most pivotal roles in the two-act ballet, Luke Luzicka depicted a striking and witty Herr Drosselmeyer, powerfully puppeteering Clara’s dream. Blond, bubbly Madeline Young-Brown played a delightfully theatrical Clara, who truly captured the innocence and enchantment of the story. The other party scene children seemed dreary as the scene began but quickly gained energy, and Grandpa Marty Davis lit up the stage and audience with his jolly jig.

The mice ensemble roused the crowd in the Battle Scene, but the Nutcracker (Charles Martin) and his comrades were victorious. Martin showcased his steadfast stature and colossal jumps in contrast to Stayce Camparo who glistened as the Snow Queen alongside King Geoffrey Kropp. The pair danced beautifully to Tchaikovsky's strains while the corps de ballet, in both Snow and Waltz of the Flowers, danced in unison and displayed aesthetic formations.

Gliding angels were the first to appear in the Kingdom of the Sweets. Sugar Plum Fairy (Tempe Ostergren) made her variation look light and easy. Although a little sharp at moments, Ostergren exhibited skillful balances, gorgeous feet, and a pleasing and pacifying demeanor. The varying divertissements ensued with Russian and Arabian receiving the most applause. Marcus Oatis was bright and bounding while Nadia Iozzo and Logan Pachciarz’s adagio was sumptuously controlled.

Chinese lead Travis Guerin gave a solid, peppy performance while Arielle Espie, Marzipan soloist, should be commended for executing a difficult series of hops en pointe. Dew drop Angelina Sansone’s performance while elegant was flat and lacked excitement. There was no climax to the nearly two-hour ballet as the Grand Pas de Deux and finale merely occurred without any real punch.

As the ballet’s 39th season of The Nutcracker kicks off, there are more familiar notes to resonate throughout the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and more smiles to light up on little ones’ faces as Kansas Citians join together for an enduring holiday tradition. Though perhaps it is time for a new interpretation of this holiday staple to go with the new stage.

REVIEW:
Kansas City Ballet
The Nutcracker
Run December 3–24, 2011 (Reviewed Saturday, December 3)
Muriel Kauffman Theatre, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO
For tickets, call 816-931-2232 or visit www.kcballet.org. 

Top Photo: Dancers Rachel Coats & Gabriel Davidsson in Kansas City Ballet's Nutcracker 2011 (Photo by Steve Wilson)

By Laura Vernaci

Dance Contributor

Laura Vernaci is a Kansas City native who has always been passionate about the arts, particularly dance. She began dance lessons at the young age of five and hasn't stopped since. She trained at the Kansas City Ballet where she became a serious dancer and learned about a professional company. 

She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in dance. She transferred to Truman State University in Kirksville, MO in 2006 and received a degree in Journalism in May 2008.  Laura spent the 2008-2009 in Duluth, MN dancing professionally for the Minnesota Ballet. She performed in productions such as, "The Nutcracker," "Cinderella" and "Coppelia" as well as world premier ballets created on the company.

She recently moved back to Kansas City and is excited to combine her experience in writing with her passion for dance. In addition to performing and writing, Laura also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing.