BWW Reviews: The Imaginary Theatre Company's Production of THE NUTCRACKER

The Imaginary Theatre Company provided a very fitting offering for the holiday season with their delightful and amusing take on The Nutcracker. This version is cleverly scripted by playwright Sarah Brandt, with original music and lyrics by NeAl Richardson, and though it differs somewhat from E.T.A. Hoffman's original story, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King", it brings that Christmas classic to life in fine fashion, with Richardson's score utilizing tuneful original compositions as well as arrangements of Tchaikovsky's familiar music from the ballet version of the tale. This blending of traditional and new elements produces a pleasant and engaging show that children and their families can enjoy together.

It's Christmas Eve and a family has gathered to celebrate in their new home, but little Marie is unhappy and unable to enjoy the festivities. She's had to start all over making friends at a new school, and things haven't gone well so far. Her Godfather, Drosselmeyer, lifts her spirits by giving her a rather unique gift; a nutcracker that has a magic all of its own. And, sure enough, Marie's sleep is disturbed by the sudden appearance of the Nutcracker in the flesh, fending off the advances of the sword-wielding Mouse King. Marie thwarts the rodent's efforts by throwing her shoe at him, and he retreats to battle again another day.

She tells her mother what happened but she's unconvinced that's it not just her fertile imagination at work. However, Drosselmeyer arrives on Christmas morning and believes every word. His belief in her is born out that night when the Nutcracker returns to take Marie on a tour of his home, traveling through an enchanted winter forest to see the candy kingdom he will someday rule. Marie awakens to find herself back home, but her initial disappoint is relieved when Drosselmeyer brings over his nephew Fritz, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the Nutcracker.

Ann Ashby sparkles as Marie, and even though she's not actually a ten year old girl, she's certainly capable of making you believe she is. Lakeetha Blakeney is solid in a variety of roles including: the Mother, a Mouse, a dancing fairy, and a townsperson. Christian Vieira is also good as the Father, the Nutcracker, and Fritz. Jordan Reinwald is delightfully over the top as Marie's Godfather, the combative Mouse King, an enthusiastic fairy, and the Mayor of the candy kingdom.

Director Bruce Longworth keeps this forty-five minute piece hopping along at a nice clip, and he's aided by Ellen Isom's sprightly performed choreography, as well as NeAl Richardson's pleasing music direction. Scott Loebl's colorful and imaginative scenic design is smartly conceived, allowing for quick changes in location by simply peeling back the layers of the cloth backdrop on the set. Dorothy Marshall Englis provided the effective and efficient costumes.

The Imaginary Theatre Company's next production will be Chanticleer! on March 19, 2011.