|
MATTHEW Wright, the imaginative director/choreographer who has given Honolulu original ballet-based productions of "Frankenstein" and "Billy the Kid," successfully challenged conventional perspectives once again with Honolulu Dance Theatre's production of "King Kalakaua's Nutcracker Ballet" at the Hawaii Theatre on Friday and Saturday. ‘Nutcracker’ blends
aloha into scriptBy John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.comSome ballet purists may wince at Wright's perennial willingness to mix and match dance genres, but HDT's "Nutcracker" stands as one of the most imaginative productions of the year in local dance. Who but Wright would envision ballet performed by men in malo, women in coconut bras and barefoot dancers cavorting in ti leaf skirts? Who but Wright would build a show around a 14-year-old apprentice dancer -- and do so with such aesthetic success? Marina Hitosugi-Levesque touches the heart and charms the soul as Kaiulani. She is clearly a dancer to watch in local ballet and a promising actress as well.
In Wright's "Nutcracker" the pre-Christmas festivities take place in Iolani Palace. The entertainment is provided by hula dancers and Hawaiian musicians, and Kalakaua gives his niece, Kaiulani, a nutcracker in the shape of an ancient Hawaiian warrior. Kaiulani returns to the throne room later in the evening to retrieve her beloved gift, falls asleep on a couch and embarks on a series of adventures when the clock strikes midnight.
The nutcracker becomes a live warrior who summons an army to defend her when a herd of wild pigs invades the palace. The victorious Kaiulani and her warrior travel to Mauna Kea where they dance with the snowflakes. Kaiulani goes on alone to the Land of the Rainbows, Kalakaua joins her, and they sip 'awa while being entertained by the inhabitants of his magic kingdom -- dancing coconuts, peafowl, ukulele, geckos, pot-bellied menehune, hibiscus blossoms and pineapples.
Wright tells the story with an imaginative blend of ballet, hula, modern dance and physical comedy. Celia Chun and Sergei Domrachev provide much of the latter as the stars of "Pineapple Pas de Deux & Variations." Chun and Domrachev bounce off each other, tumble and roll around the stage, and occasionally slip in bits of conventional ballet, in great comic style.
Chun stands out as a regal peafowl in a more conventional segment. Domrachev likewise gets to utilize his formal ballet training as the Snow King opposite Kara Yoneshige.
Yoneshige, an HDT veteran who has grown up in the program, also distinguishes herself in several of Wright's most unconventional ballet/hula numbers. The costumes don't always do her justice, but her execution helps make Wright's cross-cultural experiments successful.
Ian Campbell (Kalakaua) strips off his royal garb to join Matthew Chun and Squire Coldwell in a well-choreographed "Dance of the Surf Riders." Campbell, instantly likable as Kalakaua, is genial and engaging throughout the show; "Surf Riders" is one of his best dance numbers. Coldwell, athletic and brimming with comic macho attitude, adds charisma to several of the ballet/hula numbers as well.
And then there's Hitosugi-Levesque, who's exquisite even when she's only reacting to the action elsewhere. Two showcase numbers -- "Victory Pas de Deux" and "Waltz of the Hibiscus" -- soar on her fluid and graceful dancing, but she is charming and convincing in the role of the princess.
Through her acting we feel Kaiulani's joy on receiving the nutcracker, share her horror when the Boar Queen dies by her hand, and are touched by her attraction to the beautiful peafowl. Hitosugi-Levesque's performance is remarkable in all respects.
Wright's "Nutcracker" is remarkable as well. It should not be missed when it returns next Christmas season.
Click for online
calendars and events.
