Critics Praise New Jersey Ballet's Annual Nutcracker Performances

New Jersey began its 2004 season of Nutcracker performances on November 28 at the Middle Township Performing Arts Center, Cape May Court House. Ed Wismer, critic for the Ocean City Sentinel, said, "I am happy to report that NJB's version continues to charm and even surprise me.

"A great contributor to NJ Ballet's success is the international cast of dancers who make the production so authentic. The top dancers come from nine nations. New Jersey Ballet has still more going for it than just superb dancing and choreography. It is their ability to incorporate local talent. Actor-singer Jim MacMillan of Cape May County was one of the elegantly attired party guests…I spotted several fathers in the audience who missed most of the Eagles game by electing to accompany their children to the ballet…the New Jersey Ballet deserves a special bow for their ability to entertain even football fans."

The company started its annual series of Nutcrackers at the Paper Mill Playhouse on December 17th. Thom Molyneaux, reviewing for The Montclair Times, said, "It is, although familiar, surprisingly fresh, because of the annual influx of bright-eyed, talented children into the cast -and the brilliance of the principal dancers and the excellence of the New Jersey Ballet Company.

"The quality of the dancers and the choreography is consistently first rate. At the performance I attended, some were even a bit better. Ally Sacks was proficient and charming as Clara and paired well with Andres Niera, her handsome Prince; Michelle de Fremery and David Tamaki as the Snow Queen and King captivated the audience with their sweeping spinning duet; Gabriella Noa-Pierson, Julia Vorobyeva and Kotoe Kojima were exquisite and lovely in the 'Dance of the Reed Flutes.' Vitaly Verterich completely won over the house with his athleticism and fire in the Russian dance, Mari Suguwa was nothing short of sensational leading 'The Waltz of the Flowers' and 'The Grand Pas De Deux' with Saule Rachmedova and Tuvshin Bold was the glorious highlight of the production. Miss Rachmedova, in particular, combines a precise elegance in her work with a warmth and charm that is simply delightful."

Robert Johnson in the Newark Star-Ledger was also pleased with the first-night performance. "The more you see 'The Nutcracker,' the more there is to love. The most notable occurrence on opening night was the debut of Mari Sugawa as the Dewdrop Fairy. Sparkling in the role from the moment of her entrance, Sugawa led the Waltz of the Flowers with radiant ease. Pliant and alive in every gesture, yet with chiseled feet and legs, she made a sensational impression.

"New Jersey Ballet is noted for its classical polish, so ballet fans had plenty to admire, starting with a nimble performance by Ally Sacks, the opening-night Clara…the snow queen, Michelle de Fremery, brought terrific fluidity to the rushing action of her pas de deux, while her partner, David Tamaki, displayed a virile attack. The evening's Sugar Plum, tempestuous Saule Rachmedova, executed a bravura series of fouettés…bodies pressed together in a backbend, Christina Theryoung and Sergio Amarante brought the sensuality of tango dancers in the Spanish divertissement. And, as always, Vitaly Verterich astounded with a variety of toe-touching leaps in the 'Trepak'. This 'Nutcracker' is even better than you remember."

The following Saturday, Jeff Cummins, associate editor of the Essex Journal, was in the audience. He was enthusiastic as well. "Even those who've seen it numerous times owe themselves a visit to the Paper Mill Playhouse to see how the show is performed. Several patrons nearby noted the performance was the best version of 'Nutcracker' they'd ever seen.

"When it comes to dancing, make no mistake about it, the dancers of New Jersey Ballet are masters of their craft. David Tamaki, appearing as the Snow King and Tuvshin Bold, in the role of Cavalier, displayed remarkable agility, grace and balance. And in truth, those two were among many superior dancers in the Livingston-based troupe, which showed considerable depth throughout the performance."

"For those who've seen the New Jersey Ballet before - or never seen ballet at all - this performance of 'Nutcracker' offers an opportunity to see dancing that will leave even the casual observer awestruck."

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