What better way to welcome Spring back to Maine than with the classic re-awakening tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY, which Maine State Ballet has chosen for its current performance! The production, set to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score, was created by Linda MacArthur Miele, based on Marius Petipa’s original choreography with her own beautiful additions. Miele’s strength, as a choreographer and co-founder of the company, has always been the truth and knowledge of repertoire and traditions that he brings to the work, combined with his unerring sense of adapting the dance to the strengths of his dancers. The result is a powerful ensemble production that sparkles with energy and effervescence.
Gail Csoboth also provides beautiful painted drops that create a richly colored story, enhanced by David Herrman’s fog lights. Csoboth’s costumes are elegant and whimsical, adding to the beauty and romance of the production. And, as always, the sound is great at the Lopez Theater.
One of the joys of the years following this company is watching the growth of ballet class, whose creators continue to find precision, power of craftsmanship, and combining excellence.
At the concert on March 28, the principals and soloists add a touch of sparkle to all, giving a brilliant, polished performance. As Princess Aurora, Rachel Paradis brings a strong style and regal elegance, and is partnered brilliantly by Airie’s Prince Eiten Florimund, who brings great athleticism to the role. Anna Cook as the Lilac Fairy exudes a sweet purity and dominates the stage with her solo. Caitlin Bodlovick dances Carabosse with wicked glee, commanding to close the first act with great menace. Jonathan Miele gives a strong portrayal of the Master of Ceremonies, while Christina Grygiel and Sam Lipman as the Queen and King add to the dramatic story.
In the 19th century classical ballet tradition, SLEEPING BEAUTY offers many opportunities to dance solos in a variety of styles and styles, culminating in a beautiful wedding sequence. Highlights of these include Emma Davis’ brilliantly executed Diamond Fairy, Hanna Miele’s pert, lively Silver Fairy, and Brooke Sowerby’s sprightly Sapphire Fairy. Always funny are the storybook characters who come to the wedding, charmingly portrayed by Glenn Davis as Puss n’ Boots with Marieclaire Owens as the White Cat, Faith Newkirk as Little Red Riding Hood and Trevor Seymour as the Wolf, and Audrey Knowles as the Frog Prince with Anna Fraser as the Spoiled Princess. And capturing the audience with both excitement and suspense, Caelan Martin as Bluebird and Agnes Norman as Princess Florine bring the fireworks to Act Three.
The grand pas de deux for Aurora and Florimund who make the final crown do not disappoint Paradis and Eiten who lead several lovely credits and embody the fairy tale and starry-eyed romance to perfection.
Just as fairy tales often end with “And then they lived happily ever after,” an afternoon (or evening) at the Maine State Ballet can provide that happy ending. Audiences who leave SLEEPING BEAUTY clearly leave with a sense of excitement and magic – a very welcome product in today’s tough world.
Image courtesy of Maine State Ballet
SLEEPING BEAUTY runs March 20 – April 12 at Maine State Ballet’s Lopez Theater, 348 Route One, Falmouth www.mainestateballet.org 207-781-7672
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