Fresh, new 'Nutcracker' from new company

By Laine M. Rutherford

NORFOLK

The story is a classic, but almost everything else about "The Nutcracker" ballet that premiered at the Harrison Opera House this weekend was new: costumes, set, choreography and the local dance school that produced it.

Ballet Virginia International presented its version of the holiday classic, showcasing a talented cast of 120 dancers, most of whom are school-age and from the area.

The roles of Clara (both the young and dream versions), party guests, rats, soldiers and ginger snaps, among others, were performed by students from Ballet Virginia International's Academy, its performing company and faculty. Guest artists danced the principal roles, including Stephen Gregory as Herr Drosselmeyer, Laura Feig as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Brooklyn Mack as the Cavalier.

Several dancers were standouts in their roles at Friday night's show.

Marianne Trimble was emotive and graceful as Young Clara. Unlike some of the overdone pantomiming in the show, Marianne convincingly embodied the joy, sorrow, fear and delight of a young girl who is given a Nutcracker doll as a Christmas present and has adventures as a result.

Quincie Hydock was impressive as the Spanish lead dancer. Her defined, sharp movements showcased Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky's composition as well as the bright red dress she wore, one of the best of the production's new costumes.

Helen Watson, a Ballet Virginia faculty member and principal dancer, was lithe and joyous as Dream Clara. Portraying the leads in the Arabian section, principal dancer Lydia Roberts Coco and guest artist Duncan Cooper were examples of physical splendor, their muscular bodies and powerful movements awesome to watch. In the role of the Cavalier, Mack at times seemed to defy gravity in his leaps, appearing suspended in air while reaching glorious heights.

The performance had humorous touches. Ballet Virginia co-founder and Nutcracker co-choreographer Suzanne Long played a doddering, dancin' Grandma. Special guest performer Rick Rumble of FM99 appeared in exaggerated make-up and padded dress as Mother Ginger, evoking laughs and a (positive) comparison to actor Harvey Fierstein.

Compared to the Richmond Ballet production of The Nutcracker presented earlier in the month at Chrysler Hall, this version lacked some glitz and sparkle in sets and costumes, had sub-par lighting and, most unfortunately, used recorded music rather than live.

But given that Ballet Virginia International has existed for only about six months, had a limited budget and moved into its permanent facility only this month, Bove, Long and the entire cast and backstage crew are to be commended for producing a heartfelt holiday show.

This year's audiences were able to see some of Hampton Roads' most talented and dedicated young dancers in a production that, like The Nutcracker itself, can only grow better with time.

Laine Mednick Rutherford, Laine.R@cox.net.