Nutcracker never ages
Northwest Ballet production soars
by Christopher Key
My companion at The Nutcracker this evening asked me how I review a performance like this, assuming that I have some knowledge of ballet. I don’t and I admitted it to her and to you. That’s why I end up talking about the backdrops and the costumes a lot. But I will make some small claim to theatrical wisdom. Ballet is just musical theatre without speaking parts, so I can usually fake my way through a review.
Frankly, Northwest Ballet deserves better. However, since I seem to be the only one writing reviews regularly, they have to settle for me and I do what I can. One of the things I have learned since starting to review ballet is that no two productions are alike. Don’t assume that because you’ve seen The Nutcracker before, you don’t need to see it again. This Northwest Ballet production is a fresh experience every year and we could all profit from a bit of fantasy at this time of year.
Artistic Director John Bishop told me that the opening backdrop is new this year and it sets the mood perfectly, portraying winter in an old English town as the dancers swirl in the snow. Bishop got to step into the spotlight this evening as The Cossack and his obvious joy in performing is thoroughly infectious.
The costumes are spectacular, as always. Beth Sanchez and Holly Bennett have obviously spent countless hours on this project and it shows. There. I’ve talked about the backdrops and costumes and have exhausted my ballet expertise. Now, let’s move on to the performers.
Guest artist for this production is Mahomi Endoh, a dancer with the Alberta Ballet. She began her training at age five with the Mami Ballet in Kyoto, Japan, and joined the Alberta School of Ballet in 2006. She is totally enchanting and obviously has a stellar future ahead of her. The only photo of her that I could access on very short notice comes from her Facebook page and conveys her charm the way no professional photo could. I hope she doesn’t mind that I stole it.
Playing the title role is Meridian High School senior Seth Weatherby. I have now seen him in several productions and am blown away by his athleticism and stage presence. His talent is prodigious, evidenced by his ability to pair with a professional like Endoh and look completely at home. This young dancer began training with Bishop in 2005, but he comes off as a seasoned veteran. Bravo!
There are far too many people in the cast to mention in this space, but they are all amazingly talented and deserve full houses at every performance. Theatrical Renaissance Man Angus McLane repeats his role as Herr Drosselmeyer and is always a treat to watch. The young dancers are especially enchanting and lend credence to the old W. C. Fields saw about never sharing the stage with a child. They steal the show every time.
I never cease to be amazed by the level of talent we are blessed with in this fourth corner of the nation and Northwest Ballet is one of the main reasons.
The Nutcracker performs Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at the Mount Baker Theatre with a matinee on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.. Call (360) 734-6080 for tickets or go to www.mountbakertheatre.com. Your holiday season won’t be complete without it.
# # #