Boston Ballet Dazzles with Marius Petipa's "The Sleeping Beauty" - Through May 27th

As I returned to my seat at the Boston Opera House following the first Intermission of "The Sleeping Beauty," I could not help singing to myself the iconic lyrics from "A Chorus Line":

"Everything was beautiful at the ballet. Graceful men lift lovely girls in white. Yes, everything was beautiful at the ballet. Hey! I was happy . . . at the ballet."

Cast
"The Sleeping Beauty"
Choreographed by Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through May 27
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet

This production of the classic fairy tale of the beauty who was cursed to sleep one hundred years is set to the lovely Tchaikovsky score and choreographed by Marius Petipa, with additional choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton. Gorgeous Costumes and regal Set Design are by David Walker, with Lighting by John Cuff. The vibrant orchestra played under the baton of Conductor Jonathan McPhee. Production s by Ninette de Valois, after the 1939 production by Nicholas Sergeyev. This ballet had its World Premiere in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1890.

The Opening Night audience was enraptured as we consumed a veritable banquet for the eyes, ears, and soul. As we have come to expect from this world class ballet company, every Principal, Soloist, Featured Dancer, and members of the Corps de Ballet were at the top of their game.

• Misa Kuranga as Princess Aurora and Paulo Arrais as Prince Desire brought grace, passion and chemistry to their roles. It was easy to believe that she had been enchanted by the curse, and that he, in turn, had been enchanted by her beauty. They shone most radiantly in their solos and pas de deux in the Act III wedding scenes.

Misa Kuranaga and Paulo Arrais

"The Sleeping Beauty"

Choreographed by Marius Petipa

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through May 27

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet

• Dusty Button was strong as the Lilac Fairy who countermanded the deadly cursed imposed by the malevolent Carabosse, a haunting Erica Cornejo.
• In Act I, the suitors at Aurora's 16th birthday gala were Florimond Lorieux, Matthew Slattery, Irlan Silva and Sabi Varga.
• Act III, the wedding festivities, featured a number of outstanding performances, including a brilliant pas de trois by Lauren Herfindahl, Addie Tapp, and the always solid Patrick Yocum.

 Lauren Herfindahl,  Patrick Yocum, Addie Tapp
"The Sleeping Beauty"
Choreographed by Marius Petipa
Boston Ballet
Boston Opera House
Through May 27
Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet

• A surprising highlight of Act III was the mesmerizing dancing of Ji Young Chae as Princess Florine and Junxiong Zhao as Blue Bird. Their solos and pas de deux were met with rapturous applause, which was repeated during the curtain call. Zhao in particular drew attention with his athletic leaping and pillow-soft landings. Remember his name!

Ji Young Chae and Junxiong Zhao

"The Sleeping Beauty"

Choreographed by Marius Petipa

Boston Ballet

Boston Opera House

Through May 27

Photo by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet

This program will run through May 27th. It is classic ballet at its finest, and should not be missed.

Boston Ballet Website

Enjoy!

Al