BWW Reviews: The Colorado Ballet Shines with Their 53rd Annual Production of THE NUTCRACKER

The Colorado Ballet presents the 53rd annual production of THE NUTCRACKER dancing across the Ellie Caulkins Opera House now through December 28th. THE NUTCRACKER features memorable characters including Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugarplum Fairy as well as dazzling costumes and scenery by José Varona. This holiday tradition features classic choreography after Marius Petipa paired with Tchaikovsky's score performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. In addition, more than 60 students from the Colorado Ballet Academy will join Colorado Ballet's professional company on stage as polichinelles, party children, soldiers, angels, and sugarplum attendants.

If I could choose one word to describe this fantastic production and time honored tradition from the Colorado Ballet, it would be CHARMING! This exceptional company did not miss a beat, a step or a moment to shine and kept this annual highlight of their diverse season fresh, energetic, and full of Christmas wonder and joy. The lead roles are double cast to feature the talents of this large company. My evening featured Dana Benton as Clara, Adam Still as the Nutcracker Prince, Chandra Kuykendall as the Sugarplum Fairy and Domenico Luciano as the Cavalier. I loved the inventive ways that the company members owned their characters with fun and diverse movements and gestures to that made their characters unique (this was apparent especially during the Christmas Party in Act One). I also appreciated the Company's smart decision of utilizing the young talents of the Colorado Ballet Academy bringing a youthful and energetic quality to the show. This show left me transfixed from beginning to end and the Colorado Ballet should be proud of another superb production of a classic.

The choreography by Martin Fredmann and Sandra Brown was wonderfully diverse and energetic and featured the talents of the dancers while keeping this classic story fresh and engaging. The sensible staging, by Lorita Travaglia and Sandra Brown was thoughtful and good, especially with such a large company and everyone was given a chance to shine and the show flowed effortlessly. Jose Varona pulled double duty in designing the scenery and the costumes and gave the audience a grand spectacle with his larger than life sets, gorgeous backdrops, and gorgeous costumes that elevated this production and were absolutely stellar. I especially loved the mesmerizing scene, Snow at the end of Act One and the costumes for the Land of Sweets were simply marvelous. Lighting by designer Todd Elmer was also excellent and illuminated all of these fantastic dancers. Artistic Director Gil Boggs should be proud of his amazing company and should be commended for making this annual classic ballet a time-honored holiday tradition in Colorado

Make this memorable Colorado tradition a Holiday tradition for your family. THE NUTCRACKER is gracing the stage of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House now through December 28th. For tickets or more information, contact the box office by calling 303-837-8888 ext. 2 or check out the Colorado Ballet online at www.ColoradoBallet.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Watson

About Colorado Ballet

Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 53 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Outreach programs.

Adam Still and Dana Benton

The ensemble of THE NUTCRACKER

Adam Still and Company

Maria Mosina and Alex Eityukov

Sharon Wehner

Dana Benton and Adam Still