Some Twin Cities traditions are best not messed with too much. Like the State Fair in summer, the Guthrie's "Christmas Carol" in winter or "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy." Houlton founded Minnesota Dance Theatre in 1962, and not long afterward introduced her own take on the classic ballet, "The Nutcracker," one that emphasized colorful costumes, characters and scenery.
On Friday night, Dec. 14, the latest incarnation of the production opened at Minneapolis' Cowles Center, and -- if you've experienced it before -- you'll likely find it much as you remember it. The town's lights still flash on in time with Peter Tchaikovsky's overture, the Christmas party is as much a three-ring swirl of activity, and Drosselmayer still captures your attention as he spins while spinning his spells.
It's an enjoyable production, but one that fades as surely as our little heroine does when sleep beckons at evening's end. The thrilling Christmas party that launches the story gives way to a journey to the Land of Sweets that feels a lot more like coach than first class. The settings become sparse, the costumes less elaborate, leaving the dancers to carry the second half with movement alone.
And some of that dancing is quite impressive, with Katie Johnson and Sam Feipel executing a fine grand pas de deux and the flowers waltzing as beautifully as ever. But the lavishly decorated manse that hosted the first half is replaced by an empty stage with little in the way of backdrops or
visual effects. After such a fine start, it feels a bit like the budget ran out.Perhaps budget is among the reasons that Minnesota Dance Theatre chose to perform the work with a recorded orchestra rather than a live one. In yet another contract dispute involving local classical musicians, the troupe and the union couldn't settle on a size for the orchestra, so the number of musicians employed is zero, replaced by taped audio that's sometimes rock-band loud.
But Kevin Iverson is marvelously graceful and athletic as Drosselmayer, the toy maker who conjures up all the action, Pavielle Varsalles slinks about splendidly as the Rat Queen, and beauty abounds when the snowflakes and flowers are waltzing. It's at such times that the production begins to again feel like a visit from an enjoyable old friend.
Rob Hubbard can be reached at rhubbard@pioneerpress.com.
Who: Minnesota Dance Theatre
What: "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy"
When: Through Dec. 24
Where: Goodale Theater, Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis
Tickets: $59-$52, available at 612-206-3600 or thecowlescenter.org
Capsule: Not as elaborate as you may remember it, but a warm comfort nonetheless.
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