The Nutcracker

Snowflakes and the carriage of Clara and the Nutcracker Prince Photo: Terry Shapiro

Above and beyond its timeless delights—the score, the choreography, the story, the spectacle—The Nutcracker reveals the depth of the performing company, and once again we are thankful for the talent nurtured by the Colorado Ballet.

This year's production is double- and triple-cast as always, to save the principals from bodily harm from the grueling schedule needed to meet audience demand. On the Saturday night of opening weekend, we were delighted with the mix.

Jesse Marks as the Nutcracker Prince and Caitlin Valentine as Clara Photo: Terry Shapiro

Caitlin Valentine's girlish yet nurturing Clara sets up the transformative dream that is at the heart of this romantic tale. Her fluidity is matched by Jesse Marks' passion and strength as the Nutcracker Prince, providing both the chemistry and the lifts to support their storybook courtship. Sean Omandam's Fritz is a rambunctious treat.

Chandra Kuykendall as the Sugarplum Fairy and Alexei Tyukov as the Cavalier Photo: Terry Shapiro

Chandra Kuykendall, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Alexei Tyukov, as the Cavalier, are flawless, elegant, and at times breathtaking in their second act extended pas de deux.

Luis Valdes and Shelby Dyer in the Arabian Photo: Terry Shapiro

The divertissements are all exemplary, topped off by a seductive and sublime Arabian, with Shelby Dyer and Luis Valdes. Crystal Hartford, Cara Cooper, and Travis Morrison delight us with a flashy Spanish. The Chinese, with Andrew Skeels, elicits squeals from the youngsters. The flirtatious Marzipan, with Asuka Sasaki, Emily Bromberg, and Viacheslav Buchkovskiy brings a smile, then a laugh. Janelle Cook, Christopher Ellis, and Sean Omandam wow us with a showy and gymnastic Russian. Rylan Schwab upholds the grand farcical tradition of Mother Ginger. Sayaka Karasugi, as Dew Drop, enchants the Flowers to blossom.

Christopher Ellis, Janelle Cooke and Sean Omandam in the Russian Photo: Terry Shapiro

As always, Gregory K. Gonzales is masterful as the magical catalyst, Drosselmeyer, taking pantomime and legerdemain to refined heights, even getting in the act with Cara Cooper's captivating Columbine. Luis Valdes sets the stage for the battle to come with an athletic and comically martial Soldier.

The Nutcracker Prince and his troops Photo: Terry Shapiro

This year's battle scene, between the Nutcracker Prince's crack troops and gallant cavalry and the Rat King's melodramatic minions, provides great drama and an emotionally charged moment when Clara weeps for her fallen prince, who then is miraculously resurrected by Drosselmeyer.

The 39-piece orchestra, under the savvy direction of Adam Flatt, delivers a sumptuous rendition of the immortal score.

The Colorado Ballet's 2008 The Nutcracker runs through Saturday, December 27th, including weekday and afternoon performances. 303-837-8888 or www.coloradoballet.com.

Bob Bows