Friday’s performance deviated slightly from the original plan as described by Tchaikovsky’s imaginative idealistic chronicle, Swan Lake… the result: BRILLIANCE.
Last night the duality separating light and dark came to life, proving neither is able to survive without the other; throughout the living and beyond. For those unfamiliar with the artistic wisdom of director Robert Hill, you MUST experience his gift to Orlando City Beautiful before the weekend concludes.
Act one introduced key players effortlessly as the evil sorcerer, Van Rothbart, portrayed by Daniel Benavides, transformed Princess Odette while collecting flowers in the forest. Harmonized on step, Prince Sigfried, masterfully depicted by David Kiyak, entered the forest equipped by a silver crossbow. Seconds passed quickly as the Prince witnessed a beauty non-defined by earthly constraints.
The first act, fueled by the influence of adoration, captivated all in attendance as exemplified by the massive applause once the curtain began to fall. With intermission at hand, there was no better moment to reflect on Swans:
A Reum Chung’s interpretation of Odette was, in a word, flawless. Her mysterious movements, her supernatural ability to transform into character, and the unharnessed emotion she shared were all beyond reproach.
Though unfair to individualize performances, it would be equally unfair not too. The swan corps merits attention above, well above, common courtesy. What this group did on stage was outside any expression imagined by Webster; no doubt nothing in the dictionary could begin to capture the heart of their talent to an appreciable level.
Highlighted by dance, music, and soul, one of the many highlights of the first act was forever forged by the Little Swans. Andrea Faria, Cara Marie Gary, Melissa Gelfin, and Andrea Harvey formed a gaggle gravitating all eyes to center stage. Laced by fairy tales and dreams becoming real, this gaggle weaved each movement, each unbelievable strut, perfectly. Morphed into the setting, without effort all became one… a rare and vulnerable place to be.
During intermission I overheard several ladies whisper: “pretty good for a city like Orlando.” To that I retort, this production is well beyond “pretty good.” This production was masterfully directed, staged, and performed and would compete against any metropolitan assembly.
Act two consisted of livelier action, dance, and song. Though act one’s subtleness was replaced, all held witness to awe-inspiring individual expressions. The Jesters, portrayed by Arcadian Broad and Sebastian Serra, added spice, flavor, and emotive relief. Controlling the stage and adorned in red, Katia Garza proved once again why she is the master adorned by intangibles few possess. Her partner in the Russian Dance, Lamin Pereira supported Katia’s grace without compromise.
Swans, Black & White, fearlessly concluded as imaginatively as it began. Regarding specifics, I encourage you to take advantage of the gift Orlando Ballet offers.
Two performances remain before the season concludes. For ticket information visit Orlandoballet.org or call for reservations at 407.426.1739.
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
Got Twitter? Shadow me @dannyatecs
Did not go last night but plan on attending Sunday’s performance. I like the way this article brings so many to life.