Thursday, August 16, 2012
Cinderella gets sparkling reviews ahead of tour
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s ravishing interpretation of the much loved fairytale is wowing audiences and critics alike.
The TOWER Season of Cinderella opened in Wellington on
2 August and at every performance there was an audible gasp from
the audience as Cinderella arrived at the ball in a tutu decorated
with 90,000 Swarovski crystals that glittered under the lights.
The RNZB travels to five other centres with Cinderella
before closing in Auckland on 9 September.
Here's what the critics are saying:
"Exquisite. A feast for all senses." -
Francesca Horsley, NZ Listener
"Cinderella is a triumph, delivering an exquisite ballet
to charm adults and children alike." - Francesca Horsley,
NZ Listener
"Enchantment, inspiration and artistic brilliance on
show." - Jennifer Shennan, Dominion Post
"Sumptuous, satisfying and pleasing to the
eye." - Lyne Pringle, www.Theatreview.org.nz
The RNZB has experienced a surge in Facebook followers over the
last week. Here's what audience members are saying via www.facebook.com/nzballet:
"Three days later I'm still entranced by the
production."
"Beautiful dancing, stunning sets and really evoked the
magical feel of the Cinderella story. Me and my two girls
absolutely loved it!"
"Simply magic!"
The classic rags-to-riches romance is choreographed by renowned
British choreographer Christopher Hampson with lavish art nouveau
inspired sets and spectacular costumes by Auckland-based designer
Tracy Grant Lord. The powerful score was composed by Russian
composer Sergei Prokofiev in the 1940s.
Five local children between the ages of 8-13 have been selected
to take part in the production in each centre. Three girls
will play the young Cinderella and her two step sisters and two
boys will get to go to the ball as page boys. The small,
non-dancing roles provide young local ballet students with an
opportunity to be on stage with New Zealand's national ballet
company, performing in front of a large local audience.
Approximate running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes including 2
intervals