Susan Baker-Dillingham captures the emotional hard spot in a Christmas Carol

Review by Kelly Dolejsi

As a former company member, I was completely predisposed to adore New Mexico Dance Theater Performance Company's current production of "A Christmas Carol," so it's no surprise that I did. But this is a ballet nearly anyone would enjoy because it has a great story, fantastic performances and that foxy emotional edge that Director Susan Baker-Dillingham always manages to bring out.

"A Christmas Carol" is based on Dickens' novella by the same name, the classic tale of Scrooge, Marley and the three Christmas ghosts that convince the old penny-pincher to love his fellow man more than his own net worth. It's a timeless message and one of which we can all use the occasional reminding. Also, while the Ghost of the Future is a little scary, the story is absolutely family-friendly. I think the scene with the Ghost of the Future was actually my 1-year-old's favorite part. It was certainly mine.

The hulking Chris Jeffery is the perfect Grim Reaper. He's a strong, commanding, imposing figure. But best of all, he's an impeccable partner. In "A Christmas Carol," he partners with Frank Macias, who dances the part of Scrooge. And while it is challenging to lift a lithe female ballerina, it is amazing to lift another man. Macias himself is a masterful dancer, quick-footed, musical, and eloquent. Other standouts include Alicia Bowyer as the Ghost of the Past and Alice Veirs as the Ghost of the Present. Andrew Jeffery is the perfect, somber Tiny Tim.

Despite many spectacular moments, I keep going back to the scene with the Ghost of the Future. Jeffery and the corps dancers each wear black veils over their faces while they dance, and the effect of the veils combined with the choreography is chilling. As I sat, engrossed in the movement, it occurred to me how horrifying Dickens' story really is -- how many people die before even realizing their lives have no meaning. Baker-Dillingham always seems to find that emotional hard-spot in the stories she chooses, and to exploit it quite poignantly. This quality is what makes her ballets reverberate in the mind, what makes them unforgettable.

I loved dancing in NMDT's “Dracula,” “Snow White,” “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “Cinderella,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” and “Alice.” Each of Baker-Dillingham's productions is an all-out, magical, beautiful, original tour de force, and I always felt ridiculously lucky to be involved. "A Christmas Carol" is just as absorbing and triumphant as her previous works. The only thing I didn't like is that I couldn't be onstage.

“A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets are available at Uli’s Cottontails or at the door. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children four and under.

Please check www.NMDT.org for more information.