Not that NYCB's Nutcracker has ever needed a B12 shot in the arm, but it sure got one last evening when the cast danced like it was their last dance. Sadly, a number of Broadway shows have had to suspend performances this week due to COVID outbreaks, but NYCB is still going strong. The casting computer Watson Waltz may be giving off smoke as it whirls through hundreds of DeepQA what-if scenarios, but so far, it has kept up. Let's keep dancing!
NYCB is already rich with radiant Dewdrops, many of whom are still corps members, e.g., Kikta, LaFreniere, Hod. Last night yet another member of the corps de ballet, Mira Nadon, brought her glistening interpretation to the stage for the first time. She exemplified the artist who patiently grows her balances by soaking up every note of music. Throughout her solo, one could see the music rising through her entire body and extending outward to the end of her limbs. Nadon made so many individual musical choices that it was almost like watching Dewdrop for the first time. Her every step created our new anticipation for her next phrase. In a Nutshell, she is a rare artist.
Our Sugarplum Fairy, Indiana Woodward, who is another musically-gifted dancer, gave a flawless performance filled with charm and unforced precision. It was impossible not to notice the Angels' smiling faces when she danced for them -- clearly the thrill of a lifetime for these kids. SPF's Cavalier, Harrison Ball, brought along some seriously dazzling turns a la second to go with his exceptional partnering.
Megan LeCrone captivated the audience's attention with her quietly alluring Coffee. Sebastian Villarini-Velez soared in the Tea variation. Harrison Coll made perfection look easy as the lead Candy Cane. Our exquisite lead Flowers, Emilie Gerrity and Ashley Hod, were such joy to watch. And we want to mention how much better the Act I sword fighting has been this season. Last night there was real serious clank in the contest between David Riccardo's dangerous Mouse King and Reed Ouimet's brave, committed Nutcracker Prince.
We're going to try to get to a few more Nutcrackers ASAP because one never knows which way the stage curtain may go in the coming weeks. Thanks again to the vigilant ushers for laying down the law with regard to mask wearing.
Our H.H. Pump Bump Award, an intensely interesting, multicolored Louboutin stiletto which is not on sale at Neiman Marcus, is bestowed upon the lovely Mira Nadon for her stunning debut as Dewdrop.
Comments