Long Beach Ballet (LBB) successfully delivered its annual “The Nutcracker” extravaganza during five performances last weekend—complete with scores of performers, sumptuous sets, exciting pyrotechnics and, of course, beautiful ballet dancing.
LBB Artistic Director David Wilcox’s conceptualization, direction and choreography shone brightly in this year’s production. A humble chimney sweep (Ken Datugan) seeking work at the home of young Clara (wonderfully performed by Maeve Callahan) and her family helps set the stage as they greet Christmas Eve party guests.
In addition to the full orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s melodic score (excellently conducted by Roger Hickman), one immediately notices the very detailed costumes by an array of designers (Adrian Clarke, Donna Dickens, Ann de Farra, Hilde Byrne and Cheryl Cartwright). The girls’ frocks and ladies’ dresses especially stood out, cut similarly but with uniquely charming patterns and textures, plus lots of bows.
Floor-to-ceiling sets were similarly enchanting (designed by Elliott Hessayon, Rex Heuschkel and Scott Shaffer), with a wall full of portraits in Clara’s warm family home and an adorned Christmas tree and presents that very magically grew as her perspective changed to that of her beloved nutcracker doll (a robust Benjohn Magcalas) when he came to life to defend her against creepy mice led by a melodramatic mouse king (Craig Rexroad).
Delzio Design’s pyrotechnics surprised during that fight as the nutcracker and his army fired cannons and muskets with loud booms and glowing sparks. And once the nutcracker transformed into a prince (Steven Morse), he and Clara alighted into the air in a sleigh at the end of the first act before floating angels opened the second act.
Despite all the enthralling staging, it was the music and ballet dancing that sustained the audience’s attention. Long Beach Terrace Theatre acoustics allowed the melodies to reverberate loud and clear while remaining sharp. And LBB’s many young students and their talented teachers graced the stage confidently in their various dances invoking snow and sweets.
Megan Wilcox as the Sugarplum Fairy stood out for her poise and precision. Her grand pas de deux with our handsome nutcracker prince Morse (from the San Francisco Ballet) was both technically and aesthetically exquisite. Aurora Gray’s technique as the Dewdrop Fairy also captivated.
Beyond grace, athletically exuberant performances by the three Russian Dance performers (Alfredo Garcia, Hector Garcia and Magcalas) stole the show, as did two jolly jesters (Aaron Augustin and young acrobatic Emily Medillin).
If you weren’t able to attend LBB’s “The Nutcracker” this year, mark your calendars for December 2022, when LBB will most likely return for its annual performance. In the meantime, a video recording of this year’s performance is available to rent for $25 or purchase for $50 through LBB’s website’s “Gallery” page.
You can also look forward to LBB’s production of “Don Quixote” this summer, which it describes as “the romantic, mad-cap adventures of history’s favorite knight!” Based on Miguel de Cervantes’s novel Don Quixote de la Mancha, the ballet was originally choreographed in 1869 to the music of Ludwig Minkus by Marius Petipa—who also created “The Nutcracker” ballet.
Like “The Nutcracker,” the ballet “Don Quixote” includes a dreamlike adventure, sword-fighting, fairies and even puppetry. And as with “The Nutcracker,” LBB will likely fill the stage with dozens of engaging and graceful performers, lovely costumes and fun set designs, all animated by a live orchestra.
“Don Quixote” is scheduled to be performed on June 4th and 5th at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 6200 E. Atherton St. on the CSULB campus. Tickets will be available for purchase “soon” through LBB’s website, Longbeachballet.com.
