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Review: the nutcracker
George Dodds17/ 2/2006
TCHAIKOVSKY'S dreamy tale of Christmas Day never fails to
enchant and even on a week night the audience for this Moldovan
interpretation by the Chisinau National Ballet had more than its
fair share of wannabe ballerinas, complete with obligatory tiaras
and wands.
In truth this was something of a slow burner, with the first act in
which Dosselmeyer (Ghenadii Bakdika) disguises himself as a
magician and brings toys to life much to the delight of Marie
(Kristina Terentieva) and Fritz (Olga Moiseenki), a little
disjointed.
It began to warm up as Nutcracker - the toy brought as the
children's gift but broken by the mischevious Fritz - comes to
life, fights the Mouse King and his army and turns into a handsome
prince (Igor Gherchiu) before Marie's eyes.
Act two as Marie and her dream prince fly in their magical boat to
the kingdom of Christmas trees allows the lead dancers the chance
to showcase their talents in a series of set dances - the
highlights being the athleticism of the Chinese Dolls and their
Russian counterparts.
Then it is all over and Marie awakes from her dream to find the
real Christmas upon her.
It's all admirable stuff without really setting the pulses racing
and the big question has to remain... why didn't the metal lamb and
its squeeky wheels merit a curtain call?
The Nutcracker is on at The Opera House until February
18.
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