`Nutcracker’ gleams with holiday riches

Clara Silberhaus, her family, friends and fantasies brought Christmas to town last night with the local opening of “The Nutcracker,” by the Robinson Ballet and Bangor Symphony Orchestra at the Maine Center for the Arts. Traditionally one of the most exciting family events of the holiday season, “Nutcracker” came on strong last night with a particularly animated cast of dancers, whose enthusiasm infused the show with the magic of a little girl’s dreams.

In addition to presenting the ever-competent dance, the team of choreographers took particular care in fleshing out the dramatic element of this year’s show. As a result, the stage was often filled with festive touches and fun anecdotes that gave it a richness other years’ productions have lacked.

In the opening party scene, for example, the nearly 20 children onstage seemed to take every opportunity to strut their stuff as fiesty youngsters caught up in the thrill of the season. Good-humored mischief seemed to suit these young cast members, and their performance charmed the audience into many moments of laughter.

Ralph Robinson made an eerie appearance as Councillor Drosselmayer, and worked beautifully alongside Shannon Hess as Clara. Although Hess has features that made her appear more mature than the traditional Clara, her girlish gestures in dance revealed a delightful youthfulness. And any awkwardness in her movements was completely endearing.

Several members of the ballet company kept the spirits high, too. Sandy Hartley, as the leader of the soldiers in Act I, and, with the reed pipes troupe in Act II, combined sharp dancing with an exceptional sincerity and gaiety. The reed pipes, with Heinrick Snyder, Jamie Devoe-Pratt, Anya Lewis, and Gina Mosca, were greatly funny with their wry humor and fluid motion. Robert Libbey showed up to add some panache to this scene, too, in one of the two masked roles he played. (He was also the Mouse King.)

The real dance moments of the evening belonged to Robinson Ballet’s two jewel dancers, Kelly Holyoke and Maureen Lynch, both of whom add a genuine professionalism to this company made up primarily of students.

Brief performances by Nichole Pineau, in an Arabian dance, and by Rachael Dalto and Calico Forrest, in the “Tea From China Segment,” were filled with flair. And Holly Hikel added her usual peppy vim, and Elizabeth Eisenhardt, in a variety of roles, showed versatility.

Led by guest conductor Isaiah Jackson, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra masterfully provided a full-bodied performance of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

The Robinson Ballet and Bangor Symphony Orchestra will present “The Nutcracker” 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Maine Center for the Arts. For tickets, call 942-5555.