'Nutcracker' gets the usual solid, lavish performance

By Marc Shulgold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published December 4, 2008 at 7 p.m.

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REVIEW

The Nutcracker is packing them in again this season, in low-priced student productions, mid-priced mostly professional stagings or the lavish, high-priced Colorado Ballet offering.

Though tickets for the latter start at a reasonable $19, the best seats will set you back $145.

Which raises the question: Is the Colorado Ballet show worth the cost?

Saturday's opening at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House reminded veteran Nutcracker-watchers that Colorado Ballet delivers the most bang for the buck. The lovely production features fast-paced storytelling, fine dancing, solid live orchestral accompaniment and enough comic touches to reduce the squirming from the little ones.

Since the long engagement at the Ellie demands multiple casts, each performance will have a different texture. Saturday night featured three veterans and a newcomer.

Caitlin Valentine stepped up from the corps de ballet to the role of Clara, which demands lightness of foot, a childlike sweetness and not a heck of a lot of actual dancing. Valentine captured Clara's innocence and wonder while making the most of her few balletic moments.

As her Prince, Jesse Marks carried himself with the proper nobility and chivalry. As Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier, Chandra Kuykendall and Alexei Tyukov danced with confidence and technical assurance but only minimal bravura and personality. Sean Omandam (Fritz) and Gregory Gonzales (Drosselmeyer) danced and acted effectively.

Company music director Adam Flatt provided attentive accompaniment as he led a first-rate orchestra through Tchaikovsky's colorful score.

The Nutcracker

* Grade: B

* When and where: Continues tonight through Dec. 27 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th and Curtis streets

* Cost: $19 to $145

* Information: 303-837-8888

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