Review:Loyce Houlton’s Nutcracker Fantasy, State Theatre, Minneapolis

Re-post from 2021

 

December is perfect for watching a holiday show like The Nutcracker Fantasy. Minnesota Dance Theatre (MDT) is showing it until December 19th at the State Theatre in Minneapolis.

The Nutcracker Fantasy is the story of a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Tchaikovsky’s astonishing scores are presented by the 44-piece orchestra and conducted by Philip Brunelle.  Sets are produced by James Gunther, Bruce Allen, Tim Burton, Margaret Allen, John Clark Donahue, and Laura Hohenshelt.

I enjoyed the traditional parlor set with the lighted Christmas tree and decorations. The bare stage in the second half helped me focus more on dancers and their brilliance.There was something about the scenic projection in the first curtain that reminded me of Harry Potter. A scenic green village projection gave me this gloomy atmospheric feeling that was perfect for setting the tone.

Lise Houlton directs the production, and this is one of the longest running art events in Minnesota. Subtle choices like in the rat dance with the children in over sized heads, pulling their hands close to their chest, prancing about the stage is cute rather than frightening. Even the back and forth toy army scene with children moving on the ground wielding sugar canes is a nice give and take. Each group has a chance to show bravado. The children add great energy and humor to this piece unlike any Nutcracker ever seen. Stiff mechanical movements and penetrating stares from a wind out doll are hypnotizing, along with the rag dolls whose physical routines were also memorable. Solo variation in the second half by Jared Kelly and Kaitlyn Deoyo excited the audience who were impressed by countless spins.

MDT has been sharing The Nutcracker Fantasy for decades, make it a part of your tradition. Tickets at https://hennepintheatretrust.org/