Dance Reviews

Dec 15, 2009 - Reno's AVA Ballet Theatre and the Reno Philharmonic's "Nutcracker" is better than ever

By Jack Neal

The challenge for producers of perennial “Nutcracker” presentations is how to top what was done the year before. That’s not difficult, if what was done the year before wasn’t much. But when things were very good, as was the case with last year’s AVA Ballet Theatre-Reno Philharmonic presentation, outdoing one’s previous work can be daunting.

With the AVA Ballet Theatre and the Reno Philharmonic, what’s daunting gives way to what’s inspirational. This year’s collaboration on “The Nutcracker Ballet” was better than ever.

When given the luminous presentation 42 members of the Reno Philharmonic provided, Tchaikovsky’s superb score is itself a constant source of inspiration. That is especially true when the musical leader is Michael Borowitz, a sensitive dance conductor who knows what dancers need. Under the Borowitz baton, this year’s “Nutcracker” was alive with the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s lush music.

Visually, the production remains in the inventive province of the AVA Ballet Theatre’s founder, choreographer, costume designer, et al, Alexander Van Alstyne. Every detail, Don Smith’s lighting, Van Alstynes’ costumes, the sets by Soggy Dog & Batman, were perfection. Van Alstyne and co-director Miriam Allen continue to put together an impressive production worthy of much larger centers for the performing arts than Reno. Reno – once one of the world’s great nightclub venues for big-name entertainment - is coming into its own as a leading provincial center for the performing arts with a somewhat different emphasis on symphony, ballet, theater and opera.

Most impressive with each new AVA Ballet Theatre “Nutcracker” production is Van Alstyne’s adaptations to fit the changing maturity of his company. As Clara, 18-year-old Jasmine Hershewe still appears young enough to be believable as the “Nutcracker’s” child who dreams of a fantasy world of sweets. Judy Garland was seventeen when she played Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” so why not Hershewe as Clara? Hershewe is also skilled enough as a dancer to have her role expanded beyond the fun and games normally associated with Clara. Hershewe managed all with elegance. The company’s youthful corps de ballet was in better form than ever. Lithe and elegant and wonderfully fit, these young dancers brought a vitality to the production that was winning every time they were on stage.

The imported principal dancers also impressed. Ryan Sargent was a youthful, handsome Nutcracker Prince whose fresh dancing is a celebration of youth. Nikki Trerise White and Ethan White give off an aura of warmth in the forever cool roles of Snow Queen and Snow King. Nikki Trerise White doubles as Waltz of the Flowers principal, Ethan White as the Chinese principal. Both delighted in all they did.

William Pizzuto returned as the magical Drosselmeyer, the magnetic attractor of children, and he continued to entrance. An acrobatic Morgan O’Brien did very much shine it on in the Arabian vignette, as did dancers Eve Allen, Gabriel Simich and Maegen Price in the Spanish segment. Crowd pleasers always are the five athletic young dancers (Natalalya Beneschott, Casey Chandler, Haley Harper, Jo Herrera, John Harrera) who dazzle their way through the Russian number. Mayo Sugano reprised her role as Sugarplum Fairy and danced with exceptional lyricism and radiance. As her Sugarplum Cavalier, Rory Hobenstein is a most expressive artist. Their exquisitely brought off Grand Pas de Deux was the thrilling culmination of a truly lovely “Nutcracker” presentation.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” was presented by the AVA Ballet Theatre and the Reno Philharmonic Friday and Saturday, December 11 and 12 (the performance reviewed) at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 (2009) at 2 p.m. at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. For information regarding future AVA Ballet Theatre presentations and events call 775-786-1221. For information regarding future Reno Philharmonic concerts and events call 775-323-6393.