For the holidays, have 'The Nutcracker' any way you like it

By Mindy Farabee

Nov. 29, 2007 12 AM PT

IN “Nutcracker Nation,” dance critic (and Times contributor) Jennifer Fisher recounts that at the ballet’s premiere in the twilight of czarist Russia in 1892, not all Russians got it. Attacked for its “podgy” lead and “absurd” pantomime, even its composer -- the brilliant Peter Tchaikovsky -- had early, momentary doubts.

We Americans, of course, love it. “The Nutcracker” has become our single most popular ballet -- the one capable of drawing in an otherwise tutu-unfriendly crowd, and hence the one nearly every room in the Southland with four walls and a spotlight is currently hosting. “Talking about ‘The Nutcracker’ in North America, you’re talking about a phenomenon,” says Fisher during an interview. “It has an identity as strong as a brand.” That’s largely, she says, because it delivers on what ads promise -- an ideal world where magical things happen, kids are always excited and families dance together harmoniously.

Serendipity also played its part. Arriving in the right place -- under the legendary George Balanchine’s direction in the center of the television universe in New York City (journey back with me, if you will, to a time when a ballet director could steer popular culture) -- it likewise picked the right time. On the eve of the transformative 1960s, it suggested a new secular tradition that yet retained an almost religiously majestic aura.

And of course, “Tchaikovsky’s phenomenal music is a core reason why it survives,” says Thordal Christensen, co-director of the Los Angels Ballet. Alternating heavenly crescendos, crashing cymbals, tender moments and sprightly celestas, the score shimmers.

At LAB, so does the stage. The fairy-tale spectacle is set in 1912 Los Angeles, with dream-like sets sprinkled with Southern California references and opulent costumes Christensen procured from the Royal Ballet in his native Denmark (including almost-too-lifelike mice). LAB also brought over Austrian soloist Rainer Krenstetter for a guest turn as the Prince.

A performance much composed of children, “The Nutcracker” charms many audiences with its high spirits. If such things charm you, know the Westside Ballet employs nearly 100 young ‘uns in a clean, easy-to-follow story line. Still, snobs, fear not -- despite its status as a pre-professional company with ages ranging from 8 to 18, the Westside also has a reputation for professionalism.

Depending upon your sensibilities, the original Germanic tale and some later productions can stir up a little too much psychological drama. The Inland Pacific Ballet in Claremont will have none of that. This lavish, Russian-style rendition is “fused with an authenticity of [holiday] spirit,” says artistic director Victoria Koenig. Focusing on warmth and humor, as well as cast size, Koenig seeks to create “a wonderful, substantial ballet with real classical feeling.” During its run, Inland Pacific Ballet is also offering two nights of “Nutty Nutcracker,” a spoof of the classic where the Sugar Plum Fairy gets sidetracked by her cell, Star Wars invades the battle scene and every night is open to improvisation.

A little further afield, here are two more Nutcrackers worth a look: The State Street production in Santa Barbara (www .statestreetballet.com) transplants Clara to 1920s Hollywood, where Snowflakes hoof it a la Busby Berkeley, and the Sugar Plum Fairy evokes Marilyn Monroe.

Down in San Diego, the City Ballet ( www.cityballet.org) distinguishes itself with a live orchestral accompaniment. That’s a transformative element, says director Steven Wistrich, who claims they’ve scored the best seats in the house, in the “Old World, European style jewel box” that is the Spreckels Theater.

-- Mindy.Farabee@latimes.com

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

LOS ANGELES BALLET

WHERE: Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale,

Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood,

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach.

WHEN: Alex Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thur.- Fri.

Royce Hall, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 and 2 p.m. Dec. 23.

Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29 and 2 p.m. Dec. 30

PRICE: $15-$95

INFO: (310) 998-7782; www.losangelesballet.org.

WESTSIDE BALLET