THEATER
Nutcrackers and beyond
By Manya Fabiniak

BalletMet’s the Nutcracker is performed
with the BPO on December 6;
Image courtesy of Shea’s.
Enchanting. There’s no better word. And timeless—ever delightfully timeless. Each year when the snows fall, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is seen round the world without fail. And each year, without fail, we are taken to some beautiful and rarefied place, and, yes, enchanted.

The word nutcracker itself has become evocative of innocent and happy sweetness. How did Tchaikovsky know, how did he manage to instill this in his music? Well, this season provides a number of varied opportunities to experience the answers to these questions, as well as expose a new generation to the wonderment of this lovely ballet.

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra once again joins forces with the nationally acclaimed BalletMet to present two performances on December 6 at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. This lighthearted, traditional version of The Nutcracker, which debuted in 2004, was born of the creative minds of BalletMet artistic director Gerard Charles and theater artist Robert Post. It features elegant, fantastical costumes and opulent scenery including magical touches such as a Christmas tree that grows twenty feet onstage. This is a community-wide endeavor as well, for more than 100 local children will be recruited for the dancers as well as a choir that will add its charm throughout the performance.

The American Academy of Ballet production of The Nutcracker
 is presented at UB’s Center for
the Arts each year;
Image courtesy of UB’s CFA.
The UB Center for the Arts presents the American Academy of Ballet’s thirteenth production of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. Director Maris Battaglia received her training at George Balanchine’s School of the American Ballet. Guest artists include Daniel Ulbricht, principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and Mesa Kuranaga, soloist with the Boston Ballet. Also performing is Buffalo native Joe Cipolla, former principal with the Royal Birmingham Ballet, England.

Of her beloved Nutcracker, Battaglia states: “My concept for this production was to make it traditional but child-friendly so that every child in the audience would be enchanted. My mice are big, friendly mice, some wearing tutus and all in a celebratory mood for the holidays.” “This way,” she feels, “no one in the audience is frightened.”

The snow scene with an actual ice skating rink is Battaglia’s favorite scene in Nutcracker. “We snow a lot!” she affirms gleefully. Also meant to delight is the inclusion of a hot air balloon, a ten-foot Chinese tiger, and a visit “Under the Sea” where mermaids, lobsters, turtles, and sea urchins dance.

From the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet’s production of Three Wishes; Image courtesy of GBYB.
The Greater Niagara Ballet brings its own presentation of The Nutcracker to the Center for Performing Arts at Niagara Falls High School for two performances on December 6. Under the direction of artistic director Beverly Ann Feder, the ensemble is an international collaboration of Canadian and American dancers that has members from over twenty dance schools in the region. The Nutcracker provides these dancers an opportunity to use their skills to recreate a classic, beautiful story not just as added bit players, but as an integral part of the ballet alongside guest artists.

And this is also a family affair, as the opening party scene has over fifty participants onstage from ages six to well past retirement. “We accomplish all of this by having a vast number of dedicated and talented volunteers,” states Judy Nagy, herself a passionate volunteer. “There is no doubt in my mind,” she says, “that we have the warmest, friendliest production that is still professional.”

Tickets and information can be obtained by calling (877) 236-8055, or by going to www.niagaraballet.org.

From the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet’s production of Three Wishes; Image courtesy of GBYB.
A final opportunity for enchantment is the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballet’s production of Three Wishes, directed by Elizabeth DiStasio-Waddell and music by Dmitri Shostakovich. Set in a winter wonderland, a poor girl is granted three wishes by a wizard in response to her humble and selfless act of charity. As her requests are granted, a luscious display of sparkling lights and tree ornaments magically come to life. Dancing candy canes, acrobatic elves, and peace dancers that appear as winter angels help as well in granting her request for peace and joyfulness.

“We also feature our Nutcracker Jr., which is excerpts from the second act of the beloved ballet,” says James Waddell, executive director of the company.This performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 20 at Kenmore East High School. For further information see www.gbyballet.org/threewishes.html.

There you have it: enough magical holiday ballet to provide months of delightful memories.

Manya Fabiniak is a freelance arts writer living in Buffalo.


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