The opening performance of the Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker went down two nights ago at the Center in Vancouver for Performing Arts. It was all kinds of wow, with sets, dancers, and music combining for escapist magic, even though we found ourselves seated in front of a group of mannerless degenerates who were under the unfortunate impression that rustling candy packets and providing a loud, running commentary were what Tchaikovsky had in mind when he penned it in 1892 (long before the advent of Skittles).

Act I was less of a drag than I remembered it. The music was never given the Fantasia treatment, so it’s never been all that familiar. It’s more about setting a Christmas scene than whisking one away. Nevertheless, what could have been a yawner was made rather riveting by the character of Herr Drosselmeyer. The councilman, godfather (and giver of said Nutcracker) to Clara, is most often introduced as a dancing, toy-making mystery, but in this instance he was all about his silver-lined, shimmering cape. He was presented as more of a magician than I’d ever seen, complete with illusions, dramatic gesticulations and tricks (not all of which worked). Fun stuff.

Act II, as expected, was the show stopper, particularly the ethnic dances. The three Russian dancers elicited the most cheers for their vernacular acrobatics, but it was Arabian duo that silenced the crowd with their near erotic grace and poise. The Chinese dancers entertained as well, not least because of the accompanying children with their colourful umbrellas (Walt Disney would have been proud). There were dozens of kids employed in the production, and they amazed with their enthusiasm in their wee mouse, soldier, and lamb suits, enough, at least, to elicit jealous “How come they get to do that?” whispers from our own brood. I felt bad for the little fellow dressed as a gingerbread man who had one of his arms bitten off by a rat (poor dear), but ballet is nothing if not sacrifice.

All told, it definitely put us in the mood for Christmas, readying us for Bing, tree buying, nog drinking and a steady belief in the Sugar Plum Fairy. There are two more nights of performances (Sat/Sun), so get on it while you still can.

The Nutcracker | December 17 – 18 | $28 – $78 at Ticketmaster.ca or 1-855-985-2728 

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