Saturday, December 23, 2017

Commentary
OKC BALLET'S
THE NUTCRACKER
A CLASSIC SUCCESS 

By Nancy P. Condit

Oklahoma City Ballet's two week production of the season favorite The Nutcracker, under the
direction of artistic director  Robert Mills, with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic under the baton of  guest conductor Douglas Droste, finished its two week run on December 19th at the Civic Center with an enthusiastic full house. 

The standout scene "The Land of Snow," with corps dancers as snowflakes, dancing singly, in small groups, a softly formed triangle, and leaping across the stage in white short tutus against a backdrop of light blue. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, danced by DaYoung Jung and Walker Martin in a last minute substitution, performed a lovely pas de deux. 

"The Kingdom of Sweets" variations were enjoyable. It was especially nice to see principal dancer Ronnie Underwood, who is now one of two ballet masters, partnering Amy Potter. They made the "Arabian Coffee" variation look effortless. Miki Kawamura and Alvin Tovstogray danced the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in the "Grand Pas De Deux," in which they had a chance to display their virtuosity and nice partnering ability.

The children in both the party act and as little angels opening "The Kingdom of Sweets" performed well, and were charming.

Upcoming performances are The Little Mermaid, February 16 - 18, and petite mort: a triple bill on April 13 - 15.
     

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