PBT’s ‘Nutcracker’ still delights in 15th season

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

It’s hard to believe that Terrence Orr’s sparkling version of “The Nutcracker” for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has been around for 15 years and is once again filling the stage at the Benedum Center. That can be reason enough to give pause for reflection.

Certainly, we could appreciate that the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra also was playing at Heinz Hall for its first concerts after a contentious strike. That alone could have reminded artists and audiences to be more aware of how important the arts are.

Although the PBT orchestra has not returned to be part of the annual “Nut,” (there was, however, a passionate vow from the administration to make that happen in the future), the cast, and particularly Alexandra Kochis' radiant Marie, seemed elated by the seasonal spirit on opening night Friday. Her Marie was a childlike figure whose face reflected the magic of it all.

Ms. Kochis embraced it all, entranced by the Nutcracker that Drosselmeyer gave her and thrilled by the Transformation where everything grew larger than life, making it seem like we were all seeing it for the first time.

Using soft, flowing arms, she embodied Marie in one of the strongest performances seen at PBT over 15 years. Along with Luca Sbrizzi (Nephew/Nutcracker), they built their journey together, culminating with free, sweeping solo turns in “Waltz of the Flowers.” Where: Benedum Center, Downtown. Tickets: Start at $28 at www.pbt.org or 412-4566666. Patrons are encouraged to beware of scalpers and to purchase tickets through one of these channels or at the box office at Theater Square in the Cultural District. As usual Mr. Orr tinkered with his creation, adding new details for veteran “Nut” goers.

And there were some dancer-ly surprises along the way, beginning with Fritz, Marie’s brother, often full of impish comic relief in the first act. But Yutaka Tomokiyo was a real scenestealer this year as he plagued his sister, although there was also a touching scene with Marie that enhanced their relationship.

And Masahiro Haneji (Mr. McTavish), armed with a flurry of crisp beats and stellar split leaps, had Andrew Fleischner ( Young McTavish) going toe-to-toe with him in another bright duo.

More surprising developments among the men continued into the second act, where Ruslan Mukhambetkaliyev led the Spanish dance with the flair and panache of a mini-“Don Quixote” and William Moore continued to develop a powerful stage presence during an acrobatic Arabian dance with Hannah Carter.

One can always rely on some things, though, like the snow scene on Mount Washington, with Julia Erickson and Alexandre Silva capitalizing on the soaring Tchaikovsky melodies, and the Sugar Plum (Amanda Cochrane) and her Cavalier (Yoshiaki Nakano) who toned down their usual panache, opting for a more refined sense of control during the amusement park finale.

Likewise, we can always value this production, much like opening a toy chest chock full of Pittsburgh treasures, past, present and, hopefully, some new dance gems. 1. “Moana” 2. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” — $18.5 3.“Arrival” — $7.3 4.“Allied” — $7.1 5.“Doctor Strange” — $6.5 6. “Trolls” — $4.6 7. “Hacksaw Ridge” — $3.4 8. “Bad Santa 2” — $3.3 9. “Incarnate” — $2.6 10. “Almost Christmas” — $2.5