Nashville Ballet’s “Nutcracker,” which signifies the beginning of the holiday season for many locals, opened last night in TPAC’s Jackson Hall. As with any other holiday tradition, the comforting familiarity of the story and Tchaikovsky’s music quickly drew the audience into “Nutcracker’s” action. Clara’s Christmas party, a dream that takes her on a fantastic journey with a prince, Drosselmeyer’s magic, giant mice, toy soldiers and confections come to life are standard, well-loved fare that held even the youngest members of the audience rapt throughout the evening. Act II performance highlights included Christine Rennie and Eddie Mikrut as Dew Drop and Dew Drop Cavalier, Robert Gosnell as Chinese, and Eric Harris with Sadie Harris and Kimberly Ratcliffe as Marzipan. Darrell Waltrip played the humorous Mother Ginger with an engaging, understated demeanor that brought laughter from the audience, especially when he turned to reveal a racing logo on the back of his enormous skirt.(Tennessean)(12-19-2006)
