By Larissa Salcido Carrick
Ballet West performs Onegin at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, providing talent and ambiance in cohesive perfection. Onegin, a ballet based on Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel, Eugene Onegin, was choreographed by John Cranko in 1965 to music written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Ballet West stays true to the original choreography, telling the story of a young Tatitiana’s unrequited love for the impassable Eugene Onegin. It’s a story of love at first sight and an epiphany of love too late.
Eugene Onegin befriends Lensky, a country man engaged to Tatiana’s sister, Olga. When Onegin vacations to the country with Lensky, he finds the environment wanting and uncivil. Tatiana, however, finds herself instantly in love with him and immediately professes that love in a letter. Onegin takes no time to reject her as he is unmoved by her approach and is sure that it is nothing but adolescent fancy. In his attempt to prove his indifference, he flirts with Lensky’s fiancé. Lensky, hurt and threatened, demands a dual. Reluctantly, Onegin agrees to a dual with his friend where he proves successful. He leaves the country hoping to forget all that occurred. Fast-forward several years, Onegin attends a party in St. Petersburg where he becomes enamored by a strange woman. He quickly recognizes her as Tatiana, a now elegant and very married woman. His love cannot be withheld however, and he attempts to win her heart through a letter of his own. Tatiana still loves Onegin, but her desire for him cannot outweigh the duty and respect she feels for her marriage. Tatiana rejects Onegin and insists he leave her forever.
This ballet has all the elements of a romantic tragedy. Youth, a dual, and forbidden love. A story set against a juxtaposition of quaint country life and opulent wealth. You will find nothing wanting in the story.
Ballet West presents an outstanding performance in this premier ballet. Precision and passion are fused together with such delicate attention. The chemistry between the soloist effortlessly spills from the stage.
Jenna Rae Herrera and Joshua Shutkind set up the ballet by demonstrating a tender love between their two characters, Olga and Lensky. This love is contrasted by the sporadic and desperate affection between Tatitana and Onegin (performed by Arolyn Williams and Rex Tilton). Performances by the large ensemble bring to life the party scenes that frames the stories of these two couples. The ensemble moves in beautiful uniformity, helping to further contrast the soloists. Everything about the performance is impressive. I was able to enjoy near flawless executions by the dancers performing a contemporary choreographer’s vision of a classic Nineteenth Century story. I was left heartbroken, yet resolved in the last act. Much like Tatitana when she makes up her mind to never have Onegin. I certainly hope Ballet West keeps this ballet in its repertoire for the future.
The performance was of course directed by Ballet West’s Artistic Director, Adam Sklute with sets and costumes by Santo Loquasto.The sets are elegant and ornate with expansive woodland scenes and gaudy chandeliers illuminating a Russian ballroom. The costumes are gorgeous romantic style dresses and tailored tuxedos, helping to fully immerse the audience to another century. The lighting, done by James F. Ingalls, bathes the stage in muted hues of greens and blues for the country scenes, and opaque reds for the city ballroom. Such attention to detail conveys the story’s emotion so precisely. So much effort goes into the staging of performances such as these. Those dedicated to the work are definitely worth mentioning. The music is beautifully heartbreaking in its composition and passionate delivery by the orchestra, led by Jared Oaks.
Ballet West has found a temporary home for its performances at Salt Lake City’s Eccles Theater while their usual venue just around the corner, Capitol Theater, is being renovated. I urge you to experience Onegin for yourself. Ballet West has several performances scheduled for the next week. Live the Russian love story for yourself before April 13th. As for myself, I have not had my fill of Onegin just yet. I’ll be spending the next week reading Pushkin’s verse novel and imagining Ballet West’s dancers moving across the pages.
Ballet West presents Onegin, by John Cranko
Eccles Theater, 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
April 5-13, 2019 7:30 PM, Mon-Fri, Saturday matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $20-92
Contact: (801) 355-2787
Ballet West Facebook Page
Onegin Facebook Event
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