The Nutcracker
Hong Kong Ballet
Hong Kong Ballet artistic director Stephen Jefferies' production of The Nutcracker, premiered in 1997, has worn well over the years. The most distinguished components are the tasteful sets and costumes created by renowned British designer Peter Farmer. But this strength is not matched by the choreography.
Regrettably, Jefferies has not retained Lev Ivanov's original 1892 choreography for the Act 2 snowflakes scene and climactic pas de deux. Jefferies' own arrangements for both are pedestrian in comparison. More pleasing is his dance of the fairy dolls in Act 1. The moving pas de deux for the Nutcracker Prince and Clara is the best of Jefferies' pieces.
In Act 1, the Christmas party set in the late 19th century is well narrated, and the battle scene is fun. The most interesting of the Act 2 divertissements is the reed-flute dance. However, the acrobatic contortions of the Arabic dance seem better suited to Cirque du Soleil.
On opening night, Faye Leung was graceful in the leading role of Clara. Her Act 2 performance conveyed a steely strength but with little inner radiance. As the Nutcracker Prince, Nobuo Fujino was technically dazzling but his phrasing was slightly choppy when he tried to cram in too many difficult steps. In the minor roles, Carlo Pacis was delightful in the reed-flute dance. The performances overall were commendable.