By Debbie Ditton
Presented by Cache Valley Civic Ballet as part of their 35th Anniversary season, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s exquisite score and Artistic Director Sandy Emile’s captivating choreography truly bring the story of Sleeping Beauty to life on Logan’s Ellen Eccles Stage. A ballet in a prologue and three acts, Sleeping Beauty tells the story of Princess Aurora (Jade Wimmer) who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse (Stephanie White) to prick her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday and die. Fortunately, the Lilac Fairy (Becky Krusi) is able to change the spell so that she will only sleep and eventually be awakened by true love’s kiss. One hundred years later, the Prince (Jacob Hancock) is led to the castle, fights the evil fairy, awakens the princess and they live happily ever after. It is truly a beloved and familiar tale that will delight any little “princesses” in the audience. Graciously, an anonymous donor is making it possible for all children, preschool through sixth grade, to attend the show free of charge with a paying adult. What a delightful opportunity.
The premiere performance of Sleeping Beauty took place at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1890. Tchaikovsky’s glorious score was based on Charles Perrault’s story, with original choreography by Marius Petipa. It is considered one of the classics and is done regularly by the Cache Valley Civic Ballet. According to rehearsal assistant Karyn Hansen, the Civic Ballet’s choreography was first done years ago by Emile and is refreshed and tweaked to fit the strengths of the company dancers every time they produce it. This time around is no exception.
Emile’s choreography is timelessly beautiful and guides the audience through the well-known story with ease. It showcases the talents of the senior and junior company dancers (as well as the 25 additional children who auditioned), from the youngest of the “bats” to the regal King (Shane Brown) and Queen (Vivian Taylor). The musical motifs are paired with movement that defines each character. In fact, each of the six fairies dances a solo, where the music and movement are unique to each fairy and any time we see them, throughout the story, they maintain their characters. Not only is the storytelling done through movement, their faces tell the story. I was enthralled by the expressions of the dancers. Ballet theatre is just that – theatre. This production is no exception. I saw every one of the 61 cast members committed to their characters, with only an occasional hint of the hard work they were doing registering on their faces.
I wish I had time to mention each dancer separately, as every member of the ensemble does a fantastic job. In fact, many of them dance multiple characters. Of course, there are a few that really stand out. Every time Carabosse was on the stage, I could not look away. Her facial expressions are absolutely captivating and her movement and costume truly enchanting. When asked about her role, she said, “It is so much fun to be evil.” She looks like she is having fun and she brings the audience right into the story with everything she does. Krusi, the Lilac Fairy, is an accomplished dancer, with excellent technique, strength, and flexibility, and I looked forward to each appearance. Her “sister fairies,” Brittany Bailey, Brianne Corbridge, Mandy Grove, Sarah Hamilton and Britnie Jenkins also dance beautifully together. Finally, Aurora is danced by 15-year-old Wimmer with the poise and personality of a much more experienced dancer. About the same age as Aurora, she says she’s glad it’s not her getting married. She couldn’t imagine being a bride at her age. Her pas de deux in Act III is exquisite and she is the perfect princess.
Part of the excitement and the magic of the evening is the amazing Northern Utah Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Mark Emile. There is nothing quite like a live orchestra to complete the ultimate ballet experience. It’s as if Tchaikovsky’s music is causing the spinning pirouettes and soaring grand jettés. The instruments of 47 musicians come together in a tapestry of sound that is rich with color and emotion. Thank you to the Civic Ballet and its donors for letting the dancers and the audience have this privilege.
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Even with timeless choreography, beautiful music, and great dancers, you cannot get the full effect without the breathtaking costumes. Costume Manager Debi King told me there are about 100 costumes in Sleeping Beauty (only half of what is needed for Nutcracker) and that for this production, she created seven new tutus at 40 hours each. These astounding costumes truly bring the dancing alive. The company’s beautifully painted backdrops, the whimsical props designed by Christy Grove, the make-up by Sandra McAllister, and the creative lighting by Kenneth Bell of Magic Productions set the stage perfectly. Even the curtain warmer has a bit of magic. Of course, it takes a savvy Technical Director (Cory Castillo), a commanding Stage Manager (Hayley Simpson) and an army of volunteers to manage the entrances, exits, costume changes, and backstage antics of 61 performers, and even though I attended the dress rehearsal, it was smooth and professional.
Children and adults of all ages will enjoy this production of Sleeping Beauty. The performance runs just under two hours with three short intermissions. The historic Ellen Eccles Theatre is a beautiful venue for a ballet and whoever accompanies you will feel like royalty. Please take your children, especially since they get in for free. There are lots of beautiful ballerinas in this production and not many male dancers. Luckily, Ballet West agreed to let Hancock perform the role of the Prince, and I hope that the young boys in attendance will see the strength and agility he has gained from ballet training.
Cache Valley Civic Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty, Story by Charles Perrault, Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Original Choreography by Marius Petipa
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 42 South Main Street, Logan, UT 84321
March 23-24 7:30 PM, March 24 1:30 PM
Tickets: $28, $21, $18, $12
Students 7th grade-University: 25% off
Preschool-6th grade: Free with regularly priced adult ticket
Contact: 435-752-0026
Cache Valley Civic Ballet Facebook Page
Sleeping Beauty Facebook Event
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