toledoblade.com --

Vivid, animated, and larger than life - that's the 2009 version of The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Theatre of Toledo this weekend at the Maumee Performing Arts Center. It opened Friday at a matinee and continues Saturday night and Sunday.

Under the baton of John Thomas Dodson, the Ballet Theatre of Toledo Orchestra recharged Tchaikovsky's beloved score. Visiting soloists Tricia Sundbeck and Jay Goodlett once more drew enthusiastic applause.

Now in its fourth season, this Nigel Burgoine production reflects ongoing tweaking of choreography, staging, sets, and costumes. Details including a lighted snowman, a toppling stack of presents, and giant utensils add lively visual gags.

The production reminds us of the truth that every community dance company encounters from year to year: Dancers grow up, they move away, and others step in to take their places.

This year, the byword is economy. Not the U.S. economy - although the recession surely played a role - but a reduction in cast members' and dancers' ages and performers' overall experience level.

But Mr. Burgoine and his artistic associate, Anne Marie Getz, rose to the challenge.

One of the area's busiest teaching and performing classical dance operations, Ballet Theatre of Toledo makes the most of what it has and always delivers splendid entertainment.

In yesterday's performance, Chandler Riley played the central role of Clara with grace and certainty. Tonight, Anya Kress will step into the traditionally double-cast part.

Back and most welcome as pesky Fritz is the elegant and masterful Spencer Hack.

Douglas Burkhardt and Tommy Cobau, stalwarts of the cast, also revealed new maturity and artistry in cameo roles such as the Rat King and Nutcracker, the Spanish Dance (Mr. Burkhardt), and the Arabian dance segment - Mr. Cobau and Ben and Patrick McCrae.

In her debut as the Flower Queen, Emma Wolff was centered and expressive. As Colombine and Harlequin, Caitlin Riley and Lauren Burns revealed excellent characterization and symmetry. Much the same could be said of Ashley Bronson and Emily Hostetler as the Soldiers.

Tony Dandino, a Toledo Ballet Theatre alumnus, as the Russian dancer achieved great height and extension in his athletic performance. Also returning for spotlight roles were Richard Helldobler and Ms. Getz as
the Stahlbaum parents, Eric Johnson with Linda Alexander as grandparents, and Ernst Hillenbrand as the magical Herr Drosselmeyer.

Gracie the sled dog was back to transport dancers, and St. Nick put in an appearance. Lynn Ritter "stood in" as a lively Mother Ginger; tonight and tomorrow, WTOL Channel 11 reporter Tara Hastings is to undertake the role.

Ballet Theatre of Toledo presents "The Nutcracker" at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. tomorrow in the Maumee Performing Arts Center, 1147 Saco St., Maumee. Tickets are $16-36 at the door.

Contact Sally Vallongo at: svallongo@theblade.com.

Permanent Link