Swan Lake
No matter how many productions of Swan Lake a balletomane may see, there is something resplendently thrilling about seeing it again, especially when it is the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) that graces the Music Center for a limited five performances. Led by Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, ABT’s Swan Lake is reminiscent of what has made this classical ballet endure for over a century, and why it continues to enthrall audiences with its mesmerizing choreography and recognizable Tchaikovsky score. Although Swan Lake has seen many transformations over the years, (notably Matthew Bourne’s unconventional gender twist of all-male dancers in 1995), this stellar production embraces the tragic but passionate love story with heightened sensitivity that will send hearts soaring long after the unremitting curtain calls.
The exquisite Michele Wiles as Odette-Odile was nothing short of breathtaking. Her precision matched by her extraordinary form and balance culminated to the height of perfection embodying both roles with ethereal fluidity and a soulful dramatization of Odette. Audible gaps broke into unrestrained applause several times throughout the evening, but none so much as when Wiles exited in a “fluttering” of her tremulously undulating arms and the eagerly anticipated fouettés of the “Black Swan” Pas de Deux. Although Wiles as the “Black Swan” lacked intensity in her seduction of Prince Siegfried, reserving a more technical commitment compared to the outwardly timid yet heartening “White Swan,” the harmony of the duo far overcame this curious austerity.
David Hallberg as Prince Siegfried gave an electrifying performance with an intuitive maturity that is well beyond his years. Hallberg flawlessly shines with spectacular star-making moments from his controlled yet vigorous leaps in the birthday party in Act I, to his unwavering suspensions and endlessly held positions with a tremendous grace and a paradigm of form that seems cut and chiseled in midair. His transitions are effortless and his timing absolute. Emotive and dramatic, Hallberg shades this Prince with depth and a romantic sense of wonder lost on too many danseurs. By the time he takes his last leap that is a flight to an amazing finish, one is sure that his career as a principal dancer will also reach great heights.
Jared Matthews as the Evil Sorcerer was delightful as a sensual predator charming the ladies of the court and regal Queen Mother played by Georgina Parkinson. Appointed to Soloist in 2007, Yuriko Kajiya is fascinating in the Pas de Trois in Act I, and the Neapolitan in Act III by Carlos Lopez and Craig Salstein were thoroughly enjoyable as well as the Mazurka and the Czardas.
The lovely costumes and imaginative fairy tale set designed by Zack Brown fully captured the mood with his delicate balance of bold colors and impressionistic elegance.
For those who have seen Swan Lake before, this production is well worth seeing again and for those that haven’t, this is the one you won’t want to miss.
Swan Lake
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N. Grand Ave.
Thursday, March 27 at 7:30pm
Cast led by Michele Wiles and David Hallberg