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As the lights dimmed Saturday afternoon at the crowded Music Hall, the oh-so-familiar chords of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker began, tugging at the heartstrings of those gathered to take part in Kansas City Ballet’s holiday tradition. To them, The Nutcracker has become a comfortable favorite, while for new theatre-goers it is a magical and captivating two-hour journey through fantastic lands and kingdoms. Although featuring an improvement to the "Battle Scene," this year’s performance was no different in lighting up the faces and spirits of those young and old.

Logan Pachiarz was the hit of the party as Clara and Fritz’s mysterious and kooky Uncle Drosselmeyer. Gray hair aside, Pachiarz had a spring in his step and moved meticulously. The dolls, danced by Catherine Russell and Yoshiya Sakurai, were extra stiff and precise allowing children to believe they might actually be wind-up wooden toys. Meg Esrey was an unusually tall Clara, who fit in fine during the "Party Scene" but was missing the element of surprise leading up to the battle.

In previous years, the Nutcracker in the "Battle Scene" did little fighting, even less dancing, and more standing by Clara’s side. This year though, the role is played by a male member of the company and includes new choreography with much more dancing. In Saturday afternoon’s performance, Charles Martin appeared as the distinguishing loyal Nutcracker, gracefully leaping and lunging around stage, leading his much smaller comrades to victory. It was nice to see the Nutcracker taking an active part in the battle, though the height change caused the transformation from Nutcracker to Prince to be a little bit more noticeable.  

Leading the Nutcracker and his sleeping admirer through the fleeting snowflakes was an over-sized, gawky horse. This was an unfavorable addition, as it was much more ethereal when the bed appeared to be moving itself. Despite the slow tempo, Angelina Sansone looked radiant and majestic as the Snow Queen and was backed back a lively corps even if her Snow King seemed indifferent.

Starting act two off on a good note was Kimberly Cowen, who despite having danced the role of Sugar Plum Fairy hundreds of times, always brings a breath of fresh air to the variation. Her feet sparkled as she executed each step with precision and elegance; her smile was infectious. Continuing on, the Spanish dancers moved as fast as possible to keep up with the pace, but Aisling Hill-Connor and Marcus Oatis slowed it down during the sultry, provocative Arabian section. Hill-Connor impressed the audience with her limitless flexibility and both dancers displayed tremendous strength and control. Chinese dancer Alexander Peters and Russian lead Michael Eaton tackled their series of leaps and turns, with Peters adding a little extra animation and bounce to his performance.

Laura Wolfe was a surprising splendor as lead Marzipan, portraying clever musicality, proficient footwork and a delightful disposition. The "Waltz of the Flowers" corps was somewhat on the dreary side but that did not prevent Dew Drop Rachel Coats from enjoying the spotlight. Coats was light on her feet and expressive in her upper body. Cowen and her Cavalier Geoffery Kropp came together again for the "Grand Pas de Deux." The orchestra outdid itself in this selection with its luscious, effortless execution and gorgeous crescendos. Cowen and Kropp were contrastingly simple and modest, but nevertheless classy.

As usual, the production was pleasing overall but with the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in its near future, one has to wonder if a new or revised version is in the works. It would suit the company to change things up and at the same time, it could create a new magical experience for fans of all ages to partake in during the holiday season.

REVIEW:
Kansas City Ballet
The Nutcracker
Runs through December 24. Reviewed Saturday, December 18 at 2 p.m.
Music Hall
301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO
For tickets, call 816-931-2232 or visit www.kcballet.org

Photos 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.