Updated ‘Nutcracker’ Still Filled With Cuteness

“The Nutcracker” Staged by Alberta Ballet and the Spokane Symphony, Thursday, Dec. 7, Opera House. Continues today at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Opera House, call 325-SEAT for ticket information.

“The Nutcracker” has always had a high “cute factor,” what with tiny mice dashing about, prancing reindeer and mischievous bonbons. The updated production of this Christmas classic staged by the Alberta Ballet set a new standard for cute, and a pair of sheep captured the hearts of the audience Thursday at the Opera House. The wriggling lambs garnered as much applause as Hao Wang, who spectacularly danced as the Russian in the Kingdom of Magic scene.

The lambs were not the lone change in this “Nutcracker.” Besides the new costumes, which are stunning, and new scenery, the group of marching soldiers included a rabbit, which several children in the audience identified loudly as the Energizer bunny. It wasn’t, of course. Still, the marching rabbit was puzzling.

Those who attend to see reindeer, mice and bonbons will be disappointed; they’re gone. This production is new, right down to the choreography. And perhaps the audience’s lukewarm reception Thursday stemmed from unfamiliarity.

“The Nutcracker” traditionally uses young local dancers to perform peripheral roles. Here, the youngsters almost overwhelm the professionals. Of course, using lots of local dancers guarantees ticket sales to proud relatives. Let us hope the changes to “Nutcracker” were not made with an eye on profits.

, DataTimes