‘The Nutcracker’ comes to life

by Joshua Maloni
November 18-20, 2004

What would the holidays be like without “The Nutcracker?”

The popular Western New York staple returns for its 27th pas de deux later this month at the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center and at Kingston College in Canada. Under the artistic direction of renowned instructor Beverly Feder, a fellow of the London Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, more than 100 ballet artists and 200 volunteers will create a beloved holiday treat.

“The Nutcracker,” based on a tale by Ernest Hoffman and originally choreographed by Ivanov to the music of Tchaikovsky, revolves around Clara, portrayed this year by 11-year-old Alexa Luczak of Lewiston. At a Christmas Eve gathering, Clara’s uncle Drosselmier delivers a magical nutcracker toy to the captivated youth. As Christmas Eve becomes Christmas, unusual happenings occur, most notably the appearance of the evil Mouse King. The nutcracker toy springs to life, defeats the repulsive rodent, transforms into a prince and whisks Clara away to the Land of Snow.

Aside from a great story, realistic sets and spot-on costumes, the Greater Niagara Ballet Company, recently cited by the Niagara County Legislature for its benefit to the local community, succeeds with “The Nutcracker” by continuing to enlist top ballet talent, including featured principle dancers Rachael Fraser, Mary Schnepf, Juliana Takacs and Irek Muchalski.

These artists are the real deal, having earned top honors in their field. Yet, there are no ego problems, but rather a sense of teamwork. They entertain us, but more importantly, they serve as role models to the younger dancers.

“The older dancers, they inspire me, how good they are,” Luczak said.

When asked the key to the show’s charm, Grand Island’s Rachael Fraser, who portrays two top solo roles, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop Fairy, quickly points to the ability to dance with others.

“I like working in the corps, because then you get to work with all of the girls, and dance with everyone together,” she said.

“It’s a great opportunity working with other dancers,” Fraser added. “I just really enjoy working with them.”

So too, she points to Feder, who has become the standard bearer in Western New York dance instruction.

“I love working with the artistic director, Beverly Feder; she is wonderful,” Fraser said.

Through the efforts of these artists, “The Nutcracker” has survived relocation from “the Turtle,” studio damage at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, and assorted Niagara Falls issues by continuing to provide quality family entertainment.

“It’s such a tradition; everyone goes to it year after year,” Fraser said. “There’s such a beautiful visual presentation. It’s just really exciting for families to come and see it.”

“It’s a high quality production,” Grand Island’s Schnepf said. She also portrays the Sugar Plum Fairy, as well as the Spanish Señorita.

The Greater Niagara Ballet Company’s 27th annual production of “The Nutcracker” takes place this holiday season in the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center, 4455 Porter Road, and at Kingston College in Ontario, Canada. The schedule is as follows:

•NFHS - Saturday, Nov. 27 - 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 28 - 2 p.m.; Monday, Nov. 29 - 10:30 p.m. (on school time).

•Kingston - Thursday, Dec. 2 - 10:30 a.m. (on school time); Saturday, Dec. 4 - 2 and 7:30 p.m.

For more information call 285-6800 or visit www.niagaraballet.org.