The Victorian State Ballet has just completed a short season at the Concourse, Chatswood of their CINDERELLA. I am afraid I was rather disappointed in this production. While yes there was some excellent dancing and interesting theatrical effects,I was left unsatisfied.
Sorry readers, this is one for the Aunt Ednas and kiddiwinks .There are some elegant costumes and some badly designed ones (the large apron patch for Cinderella when she is in ‘ tatters’ at home was quite distracting.)
Music is credited as being by Prokofiev. Choreography was credited as being by Michelle Cassar de Sierra, lighting design by Martin de Sierra . Where appropriate (eg the Ball – in which by the way everyone is masked) there are formal , precise lines for the ensemble .The grand pas de dux for Cinderella and the Prince incorporates elements of the set piece in the traditional Sleeping Beauty.
In two acts, it is a mix of standard traditional formal storytelling, overdone mime and contemporary style dance.The wicked ,duplicitous stepmother ( Sera Schuller ) and horrid step sisters (Elise Jacques & Lucinda Worthing-Shore ) were perhaps excessively overacted and the fairy godmother( Gabrielle Witschi ), while impressively danced , was also straight out of a panto.
Scene changes were most effectively done. But why the sudden change when Cinderella is warned, or the clock hits midnight and she flees , to red lighting and contemporary style dance?
Tynan Wood as the Prince was terrific with a beautiful clean ‘line’, excellent epaulement , flying leaps and some terrific showy jumps and turns in his solos. Also , he was a thoughtful partner and handled the sometimes difficult lifts sensitively .
Elise May Watson-Lord as Cinderella was admirable, absolutely radiant in her elegant ballgown, melancholy and wistful when at home.
The young Cinderella, Prince and stepsisters were given assured performances, but why were so many of the ‘ Sydney Youth Dancers’ included especially for the various fairy’s attendants ?The fairies were therefore overcrowded and swamped.
An interesting but somewhat unfulfilling production.
Running time 90 minutes.
https://www.theconcourse.com.au/Whats-On/Victorian-State-Ballet-Cinderella
CINDERELLA by the Victorian State Ballet was at the Concourse 9-10 April 2022