DANCE REVIEW : CHERYL YEAGER IN ‘NUTCRACKER’

A Cheryl Yeager performance is almost always deeply informed stylistically, generous in both scale and energy, polished in technique--yet oddly unsatisfying dramatically. Thus her portrayal of Clara in the American Ballet Theatre “Nutcracker,” Monday afternoon in Shrine Auditorium, proved at once praiseworthy and disappointing.

Instead of merely executing the choreography phrase by phrase, Yeager created bold and often imaginative linkages that made strong emotional statements--as in her sustained, high-velocity burst of happiness following the Nutcracker’s princely transformation.

Yet, for all the feeling (and abundant skill) revealed in her dancing, her acting remained strained, the smiles forced. This Clara never relaxed, never became caught up enough in her dream to make us regret its termination.

As Yeager’s Nutcracker Prince, Ross Stretton ventured a more forceful attack in the Mouse Battle than he had in his performance Saturday but, again, partnered and soloed with remarkable smoothness. In his second try at Drosselmeyer, Michael Owen seemed just as furtive and suspicious in the role as before--definitely not the sort of fellow to leave alone with a little girl. Paul Connelly conducted.