Joffrey Ballet Production of ‘Cinderella’ Soars
By Eloise Marie Valadez Staff writer
Daily Southtown
Published: October 9, 2006
:Daily Southtown
The Joffrey Ballet infused grace and a great dose of humor into its latest production of “Cinderella” on opening night last week at the Auditorium Theatre.
The Joffrey, the first American company to perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Cinderella,” delivered a flawless performance of the classic, earning them several rousing
ovations.
The production will run through Sunday.
The Joffrey always has surprises in store for its audience, and this production was no different.
Among the best moments were the appearances of guest artists Gary Chryst and Christian Holder as the Ugly Stepsisters.
Chryst and Holder, who danced with the Joffrey during the 1960s and 1970s, are expert actors as well as dancers.
They were brought in to perform the roles of Cinderella’s ugly and uncaring siblings, and the casting was superb.
Their comic actions, movements and gestures helped make the production soar.
Choreographer Ashton, who was the acclaimed director of the Royal Ballet of London, specifically created the role of the stepsisters to be danced by men.
It’s not often you hear outbursts of laughter during a ballet, but whenever Chryst and Holder took the stage, the chuckles were nonstop.
Particularly humorous were their antics during the ball, when they tried their outlandish best to get attention from the prince and other males at the gala.
In addition, this production featured Cinderella’s father instead of a stepmother. Dancing the role of the father was Brian McSween.
Longtime Joffrey dancers Maia Wilkins and Willy Shives starred as Cinderella and her prince.
Wilkins lent exquisite grace to the role of the poor young waif whose life is transformed. Shives’ powerful dancing proved he was a perfect choice for the romantic royal.
The duets between Wilkins and Shives were compelling as well.
Julianne Kepley blended a light and whimsical touch to her role as the Fairy Godmother, and the engaging Calvin Kitten was a joy to watch as the Jester.
The Joffrey’s corps de ballet also was right on target as the members danced group numbers blending lyrical and playful choreography.
The lush music of Prokofiev, stunning costumes and an innovative yet charming set added to the success of the work.
Once again, the Joffrey has a hit on its hands.