(Robin van Wyk and Johnny Bovang as the Ugly Sisters)Sparkling, fairytale ballet is full of humour with fine accompaniment by the KZNPO. (Review by Caroline Smart)
The Playhouse Opera was packed this evening for the opening night of Cape Town City Ballet’s production of Cinderella. The mood was upbeat and the audience contained a large number of little girls in delightful ballet-styled party dresses, all entranced by the magic of ballet.
Veronica Paeper’s Cinderella is the traditional production, first choreographed in 1975, with music by Sergei Prokofiev and Peter Cazalet’s beautiful costumes and impressive decor. Special mention must be made of the lighting design by Shamiel Abrahams.
Ballet lovers enjoyed the rare luxury of seeing a ballet accompanied by a live orchestra, with the baton wielded by respected conductor Naum Rousine at the head of the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic.
The ballet tells the classic fairy tale of the young Cinderella who is forced by her two ugly stepsisters, Violet and Daffodil, to work in rags and do menial chores. For those unfamiliar with the story, an invitation arrives from the Prince to all the people in his realm to attend a ball. In Perrault’s original fairytale, the stepsisters won’t allow Cinderella to go to the ball and flounce off in their finery. However, in this version, the sisters simply forget Cinderella and leave her behind!
Saving the day, a Fairy Godmother appears in the guise of an old woman. She miraculously dresses Cinderella in a beautiful outfit and provides her with the means to get to the ball. There is one rule, though, she must be home by midnight otherwise the magic will disappear. In the end, love conquers all as it always does in fairytales and the Fairy Godmother delivers a humorous final touch.
The role of Cinderella is danced alternately by Laura Bosenberg, Megan Swart and Celeste George. Tonight we saw Laura Bosenberg give a charming portrayal of Cinderella while Thomas Thorne provided dignity and sincerity as the Prince, a role that is shared by Xola Putye and Robin Van Wyk. The famous Act II pas de deux with its romantic choreography and sweeping score was a highlight,
Providing some hilarious moments as the ugly stepsisters are Robin van Wyk (Daffodil), who Durban dance lovers will remember from his work with the Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company, and Johnny Bovang (Violet).
Further impressive performances came from Lauren Rogers as the Fairy Godmother, Tusile Tenza as Buttons and Joel Morris as the Jester as well as Jon Savage as the Dancing Master. Mervyn Williams as Count Fossil and Warren May as the Marquis de Conceit provided much amusement as the doddery admirers of the stepsisters. A sparkling, beautifully-lit scene featured Celeste George, Angela Hansford, Kim Vieira and Jane Fidler as the Fairies of the seasons.
Presented in association with The Playhouse Company, Cinderella runs until November 24 in the Playhouse Opera. Tickets range from R90 to R110 (matinees) and from R100 to R120 (evening shows). Booking is through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.co.za. Alternatively, call 031 369 9596 (office hours). – Caroline Smart
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