REVIEW
Oakland Ballet 'Nutcracker' leaps back in fine form after year off

Janice Berman, Special to The Chronicle

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Back to business after financial problems led to a season's hiatus, the Oakland Ballet's "Nutcracker" looks terrific. It's only playing through Wednesday, so a trip to the Paramount ought to be paramount if you love "Nutcrackers."

And what's not to love? Artistic Director Karen Brown has shaped her company into a warm and winning spinner of the holiday chestnut, choreographed by Ronn Guidi in 1972. Ron Steger's gorgeous set designs -- Victorian parlor (under-lit) to die for in Act 1; a fantasyland of flowers, pearls and cupids in Act 2 -- work beautifully with the gilded splendor of the Paramount.

Oakland Ballet 'Nutcracker' a treat
By Catherine Schutz, STAFF WRITER

OTHER BALLET companies may have more money and fancier productions, but that's no reason to forgo the pleasure of the Oakland Ballet's warm, intimate "Nutcracker."

From the moment the Paramount curtain rises on the snow-globe scene of Drosselmeyer putting the finishing touches on a nutcracker doll to the final picture of sleeping Marie attended by the characters from the Kingdom of Sweets, the company presents two hours of delightful, occasionally heart-stopping, dance.