[NEohioPAL]Berko review: Ohio Ballet Spring Program

[Roy Berko]

OHIO BALLET’S SPRING PROGRAM INCLUDES EXCITING "LE
SACRE DU PRINTEMPS"

Roy Berko

(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--

Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	


Just before the curtain went up at the Allen Theate,
host to Ohio Ballet’s Spring Program, ‘CELEBRATE THE
MAGIC OF DANCE,’ Jeffrey Graham Hughes, the company’s
Artistic Director announced that the last piece of the
evening, "Le Sacre Du Printemps" (The Rite of Spring)
was aimed at adult audiences.  At the intermission
preceding the final segment of the program, a number
of patrons, with and without children left.  Their
exit was a huge mistake.  They missed what probably is
the most exciting piece of dancing by Ohio Ballet
since Hughes took his administrative position.

Danced to the erotic music of Igor Stravinsky, the
piece is a "portrayal of ancient pagan rituals
celebrating the cyclical death and renewal of the
earth.  The primitive tribal games which reveal the
force and rawness of man’s brutal nature, culminate
with the sacrifice, thus insuring the refertilization
of the earth for the coming year." Since its creation
by Vaslay Nijinsky and Igor Stravinsky in 1913 the
composition has been stirring audiences.  At its
original opening the reactions were so strong that a
near riot took place.  

Based on the choreography of Salvatore Atello, Jerri
Kumery staging was spectacular.  The pace was rapid,
the conflicts dynamic, the dancing exhausting and
tension-laden.    All of this aid in a major way by
Daniel Murray’s lighting, Georgia Murray’s scenic
design and Monica Kane Cunningham and Linda Lindsay’s
costumes.  

Though the dancers were generally all effective,
standout performances were given by Damien Highfield,
the Young Warrior whose birth we experienced on stage,
Brian Murphy as the Old Chieftain who fought Highfield
for control of the clan, and Amanda Cobb, who whipped
herself and the audience into a fury as The Chosen One
to be sacrificed.  

This was exciting ballet at its finest!

The rest of the evening’s offerings fell back into the
recent tradition of Ohio Ballet...acceptable but not
outstanding.

The opening piece, "In A Word" was danced to the
poetry of Noel Coward, with a recording of Coward
reading his works being used as the "music" to which
to dance.  The idea was extremely clever. 
Unfortunately, Lynn Taylor-Corbett’s choreography
didn’t always fit the words being spoken.  The
highlight of this 6-segment work was "Lady at a Party"
in which Alicia Pitts sparkled as the star-struck
woman in pursuit of a famous actor.  

"2 divided by 2=1," a company premiere was danced to
the plaintive music of Samuel Barber.  Composed of
geometric moves and strong body control, there was a
lack of balance in dancing abilities between the
mature Brian Murphy and the maturing William Hoppe.   

The brief "La Nuit" was danced to live piano music
played by David Fisher.  His interpretation of Anton
Rubenstein’s composition was excellent.  Larissa
Freud’s toe work enhanced the solo piece.   Though
pleasant, it was an unspectacular segment.

"La Corsaire" was a traditional pas de deux.  Mary
Beth Hansohn was lovely. Her toe work and circle moves
were excellent.  Though a strong and competent dancer,
Dmitry Tubolsev continued his pattern of feigning
emotional involvement and the use of overly dramatic
gestures and movements.

The program is being repeated on April 11 – 12, 2003
at the Civic Theatre in dowtown Akron.  It is worth
attending just to see LE SACRE DU PRINTEMPS.  You
won’t see much more exciting ballet.

For tickets to the Ohio Ballet’s Spring Program call
330-972-7900.



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