The Long Beach Ballet (LBB) successfully held its annual event “The Nutcracker” Extravaganza during five performances last weekend – complete with numerous artists, magnificent sets, exciting pyrotechnics and of course beautiful ballet dancing.

The conception, direction and choreography of the LBB's artistic director, David Wilcox, shone in this year's production. A humble chimney sweep (Ken Datugan), looking for work in the home of young Clara (played wonderfully by Maeve Callahan) and her family, helps greet party guests on Christmas Eve.

In addition to the full orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's melodic score (excellently conducted by Roger Hickman), what immediately stands out are the highly detailed costumes by a number of designers (Adrian Clarke, Donna Dickens, Ann de Farra, Hilde Byrne and Cheryl Cartwright). Of particular note were the girls' frocks and women's dresses, which were similar in style but featured uniquely charming patterns and textures, as well as lots of bows.

Equally enchanting were the floor-to-ceiling sets (designed by Elliott Hessayon, Rex Heuschkel and Scott Shaffer), with a wall of portraits in Clara's warm family home and a decorated Christmas tree and presents that magically grew as her perspective changed changed from her beloved Nutcracker puppet (a sturdy Benjohn Magcalas) when he came to life to defend her against creepy mice led by a melodramatic Mouse King (Craig Rexroad).

Delzio Design's pyrotechnics surprised during this battle as the Nutcracker and his army fired cannons and muskets with loud bangs and glowing sparks. And when the Nutcracker turned into a prince (Steven Morse), he and Clara rose into the air in a sleigh at the end of the first act, before floating angels opened the second act.

Despite the captivating production, it was the music and ballet dancing that kept the audience's attention. The Long Beach Terrace Theater's acoustics allowed the tunes to resonate loud and clear while remaining sharp. And the many young LBB students and their talented teachers confidently took the stage in their various dances that evoked snow and sweets.

A scene from Long Beach Ballet's “The Nutcracker,” performing Dec. 17-19 at the Terrace Theater. (Photo by Katie Ging)

Megan Wilcox as Sugarplum Fairy stood out for her poise and precision. Her Grand pas de deux with our handsome Nutcracker Prince Morse (from the San Francisco Ballet) was both technically and aesthetically exquisite. Aurora Gray's technique as a dewdrop fairy was also fascinating.

The sporty and exuberant performances of the three Russian dance artists (Alfredo Garcia, Hector Garcia and Magcalas), who stole the show, were extremely graceful, as were two cheerful fools (Aaron Augustin and the young acrobatic Emily Medillin).

If you weren't able to attend LBB's The Nutcracker this year, mark your calendars for December 2022, when LBB will most likely return for its annual performance. In the meantime, a video recording of this year's performance can be rented for $25 or purchased for $50 through the LBB website.gallery” Page.

You can also look forward to this summer's LBB production of Don Quixote, which it describes as “the romantic, crazy adventures of history's most beloved knight!” Based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote of La ManchaThe ballet was originally choreographed in 1869 to the music of Ludwig Minkus by Marius Petipa – who also created the ballet The Nutcracker.

Like “The Nutcracker,” the ballet “Don Quixote” includes a dreamlike adventure, sword fights, fairies and even puppetry. And like “The Nutcracker,” LBB will likely fill the stage with dozens of engaging and graceful performers, beautiful costumes and fun sets, all backed by a live orchestra.

“Don Quixote” is scheduled to be performed on June 4thTh and 5Th at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 6200 E. Atherton St. on the CSULB campus. Tickets will be available “soon” via LBB websiteLongbeachballet.com.

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