By AMBER SHATTO
A Seat on the Aisle
This is not your father’s The Nutcracker. Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre (GHDT) offers a thrilling, reimagined contemporary work of the classic tale where magic remains a focus but the theme of kindness takes center stage.
Performances take place over two weekends in the intimate setting of The Florence at The Academy of GHDT by the dancers of the pre-professional students of GHDT (G2), students from The Academy of GHDT, and other young student dancers.
Under the direction of Gregory Hancock with assistant direction from Abigail Lessaris and instruction from GHDT’s talented company dancers, an array of contemporary compositions replaces Tchaikovsky’s suite in this alternative version of The Nutcracker. The music selection fittingly follows the story line taking audiences through the enchanted journey and experiences of the child who receives the magical Nutcracker. Inspiring choreography from Mr. Hancock, Dawn Deahl, and Shari Washington Rhone paired with endlessly dazzling costumes at each turn (also from Mr. Hancock) create an environment filled wall-to-wall with brilliance. Thomas Mason’s lighting design also contributes to GHTD’s production of The Nutcracker through effectively creating another layer of emotion to each scene.
Young dancer Vincent Kitchen impresses in his role as Klarence. (Photo by Lydia Brown Moody)
The first two visual differences appear to audiences immediately in Act I: the setting is not in a comfortable home but rather in the cold streets. Also, there is no Clara to be found, but Klarence (Vincent Kitchen) can be – why not, of course? It is a one-two punch of originality that piques curiosity and subscribes audiences to the storytelling journey.
As the other performers take the stage, more contemporary elements emerge as we see children dressed in modern, colorful winterwear self-recording TikTok dances, toting multiple shopping bags, and engaging in fashion-clad fitness routines – all of whom are too distracted and disinterested in offering the homeless, orphaned Klarence any type of charity. These events set the tone as the rest of the story plays out including presentation of the thrifted Nutcracker gift from the homeless Drosselmeyer followed by the magical transformation, mouse battle, and beginning of the enchanted journey led by the Nutcracker (Audrey Holloway) where an impressive and delicate snowflake performance marks the end of Act I.
Klarence’s journey with the Nutcracker continues in Act II where he encounters the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy (Hillary Riley). The Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy both perform solo pieces in this scene in two distinctive styles that fully demonstrate their athleticism, grace, and disciplined technique as dancers. Klarence joins them in an energetic and infectiously joyful performance under crimson and golden lights. Klarence then conveys peace and comfort as he performs with the Snow Fairy (Zoe Hacker) who beautifully dances en pointe throughout The Nutcracker. A particularly extraordinary section of traditional dances from diverse cultures follows – a true Gregory Hanock signature despite international presence in the original work – with Klarence then dancing in kind for his new community.
(Clockwise from bottom) Vincent Kitchen as Klarence, Hillary Riley as Sugar Plum Fairy, Megan Webb as Drosselmeyer, and Audrey Holloway as Nutcracker. (Photo by Lydia Brown Moody)
G2 dancer Vincent Kitchen is small but powerful as Klarence. Young Mr. Kitchen executes graceful motion with mature strength and precision as well as unwavering poise. All the performing artists throughout GHDT’s The Nutcracker offer beautifully skilled movement and coordination across all ages and training levels which is a treat to experience. Dancers rotate in and out of various roles during the production’s run, including a Klara (Violet Kitchen) who performs in five of the 10 performances.
This year’s The Nutcracker from the team at Gregory Hanock Dance Theatre is sold out, but I would encourage you to be on the lookout for an opportunity to experience this imaginative, moving production that highlights compassion, strength, and community next holiday season performed by a troupe of talented artists.
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