New York City Ballet offers family-friendly finale

Mira Nadon and Peter Walker took center stage in George Balanchine’s "Stars and Stripes." (Photo by Erin Baiano)

New York City Ballet staged its final program offering on Friday night at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center – one that was meant to be a full-on dazzler and indeed it was.
 
The all-Balanchine program pulled out some of the choreographer’s iconic spectacles – his one-act version of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake,” his salute to American patriotism in “Stars and Stripes,” as well as his charming “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” and an excerpt from the third act of “Coppelia” with 24 adorable girls framing four soloists.
 
There was much to love in this family-friendly program. But let’s start with “Swan Lake.” Long-time principal Andrew Veyette debuted in the role of Prince Siegfried with fellow debutante Isabella LaFreniere. I’m surprised it took so long for Veyette, who has been a principal since 2007, to capture that role as he appeared made for it. His sincere passion for the bewitched swan Odette held sway as he pursued her in the sky and on the ground – seeking a brush of her face or arm or an embrace of her delicate frame.
 
LaFreniere was lovely, an ideal blend of vulnerable exquisiteness, as she fluttered through her struggle to come to terms with unfulfilled love. And when the two had to part, a few tears were likely shed at their tragic loss.
 
All this is set in a glacial backdrop, designed by Alain Vaes, that reflects Odette’s captor’s icy persona.
 
That was followed by another sad love story, with music from Bizet’s “Jeux d’Enfants,” between the kissing doll and tin soldier. Erica Pereira and Daniel Ulbricht danced the roles of the innocent toys who discover romance under the Christmas tree. Ulbricht is convincing as the stiff-legged soldier who hands his heart to the little pink doll who spinning easily makes her dizzy. Thus, their sweet love ends as she stumbles into the blazing fireplace.
 
The Festival of Bells in Act III of “Coppelia,” to music by Delibes. While the amazing scenery by Rouben Ter-Arutunian was no where to be seen, which was a disappointment, the waltzing children were a delight.
 
Of course, “Stars and Stripes,” to orchestrated Sousa marches, was, as always, a crowning finale that aroused the audience to claps and cheers even before that last note was played. The entire cast was impressive. Particular note should be given to Mira Nadon as Liberty Bell and KJ Takahashi leading the third regiment of men in “Thunder and Gladiator.”
 
Nadon, with Peter Walker as El Captain, was unstoppable – flirting with her decorated beau and the audience with her confident petit allegro and split jumps. And those en pointe marches  -- a move that united all of the dancers -- were spot on to the mood.
 
Takahashi, for his part, was a bouncing and spinning tower of energy that also kept the audience cheering in a dynamic patriotic parade.
 
Of course, the New York City Ballet Orchestra, under the baton of Andrew Sills and direction of Andrew Litton, continues to amaze with its range and abilities. Bravo to all.
 
Today is the company’s last performance. Catch it now because it will be a long wait until next summer when New York City Ballet should returns.