Holiday spirit soars in PBT’s ‘Nutcracker’
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker” is undeniably a family treat, it’s the matinees that truly bring out Marie and sugar plum wannabes in the audiences at the Benedum Center.
Occasionally you even see a Nutcracker: Peter Shenck, 4, of Ross was bedecked from head to toe in a very proper and handsome uniform. It was easy to see the production reflected in the children’s eyes, or, in Peter’s case, his attentive and enthusiastic applause, a salute to the performers on stage.
In keeping with the theme of youth, the noon performance Sunday was led by a small army of dancers from the corps de ballet, showing the depth of the company. That is not to ignore a very polished couple, principal dancers Alexandra Kochis (Sugar Plum Fairy) and Luca Sbrizzi (Sugar Plum Cavalier), who headlined the ballet, or Amanda Cochrane, who elegantly led the Shepherdesses, danced by corps members Daniela Moya and Amanda Potts. And Alexandre Silva expertly swirled his cape to unveil the magic of Christmas with his repertoire of tricks (some added this year by artistic director Terrence Orr).
Newly crowned soloist Diana Yohe floated through the “Snow” pas de deux, culminating in a series of fouettes with double pirouettes, along with an assured partner in Corey Bourbonniere, a member of the corps. She also pulled off a rare double-header feat by slithering through the always-mesmerizing Arabian number paired with principal Alejandro Diaz.
With a surprising number of cast changes, corps members filled many of the other prominent roles, demonstrating the depth of talent in the company.
Most startling was that JoAnna Schmidt was inserted into the role of Marie, with William Moore scheduled as the Nephew/ Where: Benedum Center, Downtown. Tickets: Start at $28 at www.pbt.org or 412-456-6666. Information: Go to www.pbt.org/learnand-engage for a list of pre- and postperformance talks with PBT artists and staff. Learn more about the sensoryfriendly performance and purchase tickets at www.pbt.org/sensory-friendly-performances.