(“A
Christmas Carol” is a feel-good story where goodness triumphs over greed and
it’s a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. Don’t miss it! Review by
Kerryne Nico)
We’re going to the ballet! I was
transported back in time yesterday, filled with excitement at the prospect of
going to the ballet. I felt like a child again and even had an afternoon nap!
The Cape Town City Ballet’s production of A Christmas Carol is currently being
staged at the Playhouse Opera Theatre supported by the KZN Philharmonic
Orchestra. What a treat for Durbanites who don’t often get to enjoy an
old-fashioned ballet complete with a live orchestra, beautiful costumes and
fabulous sets.
A
Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer
Scrooge, played by Marcel Meyer, who is visited by the ghost of his ex-business
partner, Jacob Marley, who has come to call on Scrooge to warn him to change
his miserly ways or he too will one day be forced to wander the earth as
punishment for his selfishness. I particularly liked the costume design by
Dicky Longhurst for the character of Jacob Marley who is bound in chains
symbolising the guilt he carries around with him.
The wonderful set design and clever props
created by Peter Cazalet set the scene perfectly for the sad and dreary wintery
London where the story takes place.
The old miser is then visited by three
spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the
Ghost of Christmas Future. The spirits guide Scrooge through scenes of misery
and despair in the hope that he will reform himself and become a more
sympathetic person.
The Ghost of Christmas Present takes
Scrooge to visit Bob Cratchit and his family. The roles of the Cratchit children
are danced by local Durban dancers who really did us proud. It must have been
so exciting and inspirational for those young dancers to be involved in a
classical ballet of this standard.
The Christmas Feast scene lit the stage up
as all the dreariness and despair made way for giant colourful Christmas
Puddings, Mince Pies and Candy Sticks.! The costumes in this scene were
beautiful, colourful and fun. This respite from the sorrow of the rest of the
story was the highlight of the ballet for me.
Whilst the standard of all the dancers is
incredibly high, I particularly enjoyed watching Kirstel Paterson, who is
mesmerizing in the role of The Ghost of Christmas Future. I couldn’t take my
eyes off her.
A
Christmas Carol is a feel-good story where goodness
triumphs over greed and it’s a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Don’t miss it!
There is one more performance today (December
8, 2019) at 15h00 at the Playhouse Opera. Book now on WebTickets https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1495203765
or try for tickets at the door. – Kerryne Nico
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