CINDERELLA

COLORADO BALLET:  3/10- 3/19

The cast of Colorado Ballet's Cinderella (Photo Credit: Mike Watson)

Based upon Charles Perrault’s beloved fairy tale, and scored by composer Sergei Prokofiev, Colorado Ballet’s production of CINDERELLA is a treat for the child in all of us.

     The casts vary from one evening to the next, and on opening night we were blessed with a cast which was extraordinarily beautiful.

     Cinderella was danced by the enchanting Dana Benton. Her performance dazzles in its grace and exquisite technique.

     Benton’s handsome prince was the dashing Yosvani Ramos. This dancer exhibits an exhilarating command of the stage. His ability to remain poised and balanced even in the difficult lifts required by Mr. Stevenson’s choreography is breathtaking.

Dana Benton and Yosvani Ramos(Photo Credit: Mike Watson)

     Whether solo or pas de deux, both principals stun us with their virtuosity.

    The stepsisters were brought to life with comic clumsiness and animated slapstick by Christopher Moulton and Sean Omandam. Their performance(s) evoked giggles from the little ones and smiles all round from the adults in attendance.

     The role of the stepmother was portrayed by Lorita Travaglia. Her cruel character drew laughter from the opening night audience when she intentionally slipped and tripped and took a flip upon exiting by way of the stairs.

    Kevin Gael Thomas’s Jester is an exceptional dancer! His exhilarating performance was one of the highlights of the evening.

L-R: Kevin Gael, Christopher Moulton and Sean Omandam (Photo credit: Mike Watson)

    Jennifer Grace danced The Fairy Godmother with a delicious delicacy.

     Cinderella’s Father is portrayed by Denver favorite, Gregory K. Gonzales.

     There were many little girls in attendance all decked out in their fairy tale finery. It was a total delight to see their wonder-filled eyes and hear their delighted laughter.

     The choreography by Ben Stevenson, O.B.E., was danced to perfection by the principals and corps de ballet alike. 

     Adam Flatt conducted the scrumptious Colorado Ballet Orchestra with aplomb.

                Dana Benton (photo credit: Mike Watson)

     The costumes and scenery, courtesy of Houston Ballet, were created by David Walker.

     The only blemish on the evening was a momentary glitch involving the overhead masking’s uncertainty as to whether it should rise or descend.

 

For tickets call 303-837-8888 or go online at coloradoballet.org