Few local shows have created more buzz than the UNC School of the Arts' production of The Nutcracker.
It seems the entire arts community has been wondering how the performance, which opened last night at the Stevens Center, would fare under the direction of Ethan Stiefel, UNCSA's dance dean.
Stiefel had promised changes in the choreography (created by him and other instructors) that would depart from the movements in the production overseen by Robert Lindgren and his wife, Sonja Tyven, for more than 40 years.
Well, there's no more need to wonder (or worry) about our beloved Nutcracker.
Stiefel's restaging has brought new vitality to a Christmastime tradition that was strong and is now even stronger. The same judgment applies to the new scenic elements (by Howard Jones) and the lighting (by Brad Fields).
There was also solid playing in the pit orchestra, conducted by Ransom Wilson, which now consists largely of student musicians. It had consisted of Winston-Salem Symphony players.
The Nutcracker I've seen at UNCSA since 2000 has always seemed like two distinct shows separated by an intermission. That's not really the case anymore: Stiefel has given Herr Drosselmeyer (Diego Schoch) a more pivotal role in tying Acts I and II together.
He stays with Clara and Sascha through much of the show -- even after they leave the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, danced last night by guest artist Gillian Murphy. Clara was danced last night by Haley Miller, Sasha by Miles Sollars-White.
The two characters separate at show's end but one gets the feeling that their love for each other will reunite them soon; credit Drosselmeyer's magic for that, accompanied by music that takes your breath away.
Act II is superb and often full of surprises.
Much of the excellence comes during the pas de deux danced by Murphy and her Cavalier (guest artist Sascha Radetsky).
These two dancers will perform again this afternoon; they bring a strength and grace to their dancing that few others can match. Murphy, a UNCSA alumna now at American Ballet Theatre, awes us with feathery, flowing movements in her upper limbs and a blinding speed in the way she twirls about the stage. And it's all done with precision timing.
It is during the "Divertissements" that the surprises in Act II make their strongest impression. I thought the "Arabian" section was especially sensuous, with the silhouette of a curvy female form moving behind a screen. And the Russian dancers proved to be a hoot, whether they were drunk on vodka or not.
Big doesn't always mean better. But the growing Christmas tree, which is several feet taller than the one we've seen in past productions, plays a clever role in transitioning us from one important Act I scene into another.
kkeuffel@wsjournal.com
727-7337
The UNC School of the Arts will present Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker through next Sunday at the Stevens Center. Shows will be at 2 p.m. today; at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; at 2 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday; and at 7 p.m. next Sunday. Tickets are $25-$66, with discounts for families, groups and children 13 and under. See www.uncsa.edu/ performances or call 721-1945.
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