A More Traditional Version Delights With Grace, Spirit

Tiaras off to Victoria Koenig and her Inland Pacific Ballet for upping the ante on regional “Nutcrackers” this Christmas season. Indeed, Koenig, artistic director of the 6-year-old company, has fashioned a delightful--and worthy--holiday treat that held the audience in thrall Saturday at Bridges Auditorium in Claremont.

Choreographed by Koenig with Laurence Blake, this “Nutcracker” was infused with an authenticity of spirit that was also supported by well-drilled dancers. It is no easy feat to amass 120 performers--many of them beaming moppets--to not only serve Tchaikovsky’s famous score with vigor and precision, but also to direct them fluidly and with grace. The corps, in particular, gave reason to believe there is balletic hope for the Southland.

Koenig has winners in Christopher Bonomo and Sarah Spradlin. Doing double duty as the Snow Prince and Cavalier, Bonomo, a somewhat beefy presence, may not enjoy the highest leaps, but his partnering, at first hesitant, thrilled with some flashy, formidable moments--especially the fish dives. Spradlin, his Snow Princess and Sugar Plum Fairy, is wispiness personified; her speed and surety adding icing to an already lovely countenance.

Notable: Elizabeth Lapena’s enchanting Chinese; Benjamin Weilein and Bridgit Moncada’s feisty Spanish; and Eric Shah as both Drosselmeyer and Arabian, with Samantha Mason as his slinky partner. Kelley Lamoureux’s Dew Drop and Snow Queen, while technically proficient, is saddled with stiffness. Nearly stealing the show: adorable children, bubbly as candy canes, bonbons and angels.

Daniel C. Nyiri’s scenic design offered sweet, painted backdrops; Liz Stillwell’s lighting proved suitably festive; and Jean Nolden’s costumes pleased.

Inland Pacific’s effort is decidedly noble, and one looks forward to it tackling “Giselle” next spring.

* “The Nutcracker,” with cast changes, at Bridges Auditorium, 450 N. College Way, Claremont, Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. $14-$25. (909) 607-1139.