Atlantic Foundation 'Nutcracker' Best Yet THE NUTCRACKER Tchaikovsky's classic ballet given a splendid production by the Atlantic Foundation for the Performing Arts. Four more performances through Sunday at the War Memorial Auditorium. By Bob Freund Entertainment Writer For a project that held little interest for its composer, The cracker has held up pretty being as much a representative Christmas season in its own lightful way as Handel's Messiah its sacred grandeur and nobility. Since 1892, this fairy tale • travaganza Dance Review thrilled children Dance all ages. Tchaikovsky's Review charming score a model of enchantment. Currently at War Memorial Auditorium for the weekend, this is the fifth presentation of the colorful ballet by the Atlantic Foundation for the Performing Arts, now joined by the Academy of Performing Arts, and it seems that five is a lucky number The sets are still attractive, and the costumes seem lovelier and more brilliant than ever before. While this is a presentation by a school of dance, its professionalism in every department, from dancing to technical effects, far outshines any of those awkward toddler revues one might reluctantly recall. The principals are excellent, and the corps, surely the measuring stick for any company, fledgling or otherwise, is remarkably good. What is most impressive is the attitude, particularly in the case of the tiny mites who play the mice and assorted elfin creatures go at their job with a professional zeal that knocks precocity right out of the box. The Ruth Petrinovic-Robert Davis choreography is handsomely welded to Tchaikovsky's lush melodies, many waltzes among them. Crack precision is found in the Spanish Dance, a piece by Moritz Moszkowski effectively incorporated into this production. Singled out for special mention in a gigantic cast are Tricia Wygal and David Gottberg as the Snow Queen and Snow Prince who, technically and artistically, were the finest performers in the show. Also due an appreciative nod are Michael McDyer and Lisa Klasing as Harlequin and Columbine, tiny, delicate Monique Weed as Clara, and Richard Curvin as Drosselmeyer. The soldiers and mice battle was wonderfully comic, and the snow scene was a tableau of quiet beauty. Hats off to everyone involved in The Nutcracker. It deserves to be seen, and can be Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 and 8:30 p.m. Take the kids - and stay to watch it yourself principals or no Nutwell, of the deis in EXhas of and is festive